Studies of cellular behaviour by combined use of
different microelectric sensors
Brischwein, M., Henning, T., Baumann, W., Ehret, R., Lehmann, M., Wolf, B.
AG Medizinische Physik und Elektronenmikroskopie, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Institut für Immunbiologie, Stefan-Meier-Str. 8, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
Eukaryotic cells are known to respond to extracellular signals by genetically determined reaction patterns. Inside our microsensor system, cell and tissue cultures can be subjected to a sensitive and non-invasive monitoring by combined use of different microsensors.
The sensor array is placed in small cell culture chambers. It consists (a) of discrete microelectrodes (currently: pH, pO2), which can be inserted in a modular arrangement. It consists (b) of micropatterned planar sensors integrated on a common chip, which forms the bottom of the cell culture chambers. This sensor chip includes: (1) Interdigitated Electrode Structures (IDES) for the detection of cellular adhesion and morphological changes; (2) Ion-sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) for the detection of cell-associated ion fluxes; (3) Thin film oxygen sensors; (4) Thin film temperature sensors and (5) a transparent area for light microscopy. The device is linked to thermoregulation and fluid systems.
Dynamic cellular reaction patterns of different cell types to various extracellular input-signals (metabolic inhibitors, serum factors, chemotactic peptide, cytostatic agents) have been recorded. It can be shown, that sensor signals sensitively and promptly reflect subtle perturbations of cellular physiology. Comparative and on-line recording of multiple sensor signals strongly supports the validation and interpretation of dose-response-relationships. Expanded array versions of the system are intended to be used for functional drug screening in pharmacology and for predicting the sensitivity/resistance of explanted tumor cells to chemotherapeutic treatment in vitro.
[1] Wolf, B., Brischwein, M., Baumann, W., Ehret, R., Kraus, M.: Monitoring of cellular signalling and metabolism with modular sensor technique. The PhysioControl Microsystem (PCM®). Biosensors&Bioelectronics (in press)
| LOCATION |
DATE |
TIME |
| Lecture Hall II |
Sunday, April 5 |
02:00 pm |