A multifunctional microgripper capable of simultaneous single cell manipulation and associated ion sensing

The successful modification of the tips of a cellular microgripper into ion selective electrodes capable of sensing calcium ions at concentrations as low as 8x10-5 M is described. The modification involves applying the process of adding the components of all solid state ion selective electrodes. Specifically, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is added to a gold electrode protruding from the microgripper tip; this is then coated with a poly(vinyl chloride) PVC based calcium selective membrane. Excellent Nernstian response was observed from our devices, with calibration slopes of 29.5 ? 2.5 mV/dec.