IonOptix MyoTak
3-D reconstruction of a heart cell labeled with the membrane staining dye, Di-8-ANEPPS (green), attached to two glass micro-rods via MyoTak (red). Photograph courtesy of Dr. B. Prosser, UMd-Baltimore.
IonOptix MyoTak
IonOptix MyoTak is a specially-formulated biocompatible adhesive that permits the attachment of cells to surfaces that are smooth or otherwise difficult to adhere to. Developed and patented by researchers at the University of Maryland, IonOptix MyoTak provides a bond strong enough to allow direct force measurements from single primary cardiac myocytes yet is non-cytotoxic and will not damage cell membranes or otherwise affect cellular physiology (B. Prosser, C. Ward and W.J. Lederer, Science 2011). IonOptix MyoTak will readily coat a variety of materials including carbon fibers (P. de Tombe, unpublished data) as well as small glass rods (B. Prosser, C. Ward and W.J. Lederer, Science 2011).
IonOptix MyoTak can be used to attach cells for a number of purposes, including:
- measuring mechanical properties of cells
- studying the effects of mechanical stretch on cellular signaling
- limiting cellular mobility
- cell body manipulation
We are proud to offer IonOptix MyoTak to the scientific community.
| Type | Title | Size | Date |
 | IonOptix MyoTak User's Guide | 529 kbs | 17th October 2011 |