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Arman S, Tilley RD, Gooding JJ. A review of electrochemical impedance as a tool for examining cell biology and subcellular mechanisms: merits, limits, and future prospects. Analyst 2024; 149:269-289. [PMID: 38015145 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01423a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Herein the development of cellular impedance biosensors, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and the general principles and terms associated with the cell-electrode interface is reviewed. This family of techniques provides quantitative and sensitive information into cell responses to stimuli in real-time with high temporal resolution. The applications of cell-based impedance biosensors as a readout in cell biology is illustrated with a diverse range of examples. The current state of the field, its limitations, the possible available solutions, and the potential benefits of developing biosensors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedyousef Arman
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
- Australia Centre for Nanomedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - Richard D Tilley
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
- Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia.
- Australia Centre for Nanomedicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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Szittner Z, Péter B, Kurunczi S, Székács I, Horváth R. Functional blood cell analysis by label-free biosensors and single-cell technologies. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2022; 308:102727. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2022.102727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Bazhenov DO, Khokhlova EV, Viazmina LP, Furaeva KN, Mikhailova VA, Kostin NA, Selkov SA, Sokolov DI. Characteristics of Natural Killer Cell Interaction with Trophoblast Cells During Pregnancy. Curr Mol Med 2021; 20:202-219. [PMID: 31393246 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666190808103227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal natural killer cells (NK cells) are a prevailing leukocyte population in the uteroplacental bed. Current descriptions of the effect of cytokines from the placental microenvironment on the expression of receptors by trophoblast and NK cells are inadequate and contradictory. There is insufficient information about the ability of NK cells to migrate through trophoblast cells. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of conditioned media obtained during culturing of placentas from the first and the third trimesters of healthy pregnancies on the phenotype of trophoblast and NK cells and impact on adhesion and transmigration of NK cells through trophoblast cell layer. RESULTS We established that conditioned media obtained from both first and third trimester placentas increased the intensity of CD106, CD49e, CD49a, CD31, CD51/61, and integrin β6 expression by trophoblast cells. Conditioned media obtained from first trimester placentas increased the intensity of CD11a, CD29, CD49d, CD58, CD29 expression by NK cells. The presence of conditioned media from third trimester placentas resulted in more intense CD29, CD49d, CD11a, CD29, CD49d, and CD58 expression by NK cells. Migration of NK cells through trophoblast cells in the presence of conditioned media from first trimester placentas was increased compared with the migration level in the presence of conditioned media from third trimester placentas. This may be associated with increased expression of CD18 by NK cells. CONCLUSION First trimester placental secretory products increase adhesion receptor expression by both trophoblast and NK cells. Under these conditions, trophoblast is capable of ensuring NK cell adhesion and transmigration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Olegovich Bazhenov
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Mendeleevskya line, 199034, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation.,Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Russian Federation
| | - Evgeniya Valerevna Khokhlova
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Mendeleevskya line, 199034, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Larisa Pavlovna Viazmina
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Mendeleevskya line, 199034, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Kseniya Nikolaevna Furaeva
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Mendeleevskya line, 199034, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Valentina Anatolievna Mikhailova
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Mendeleevskya line, 199034, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Nikolay Anatolievich Kostin
- Resource Centre for the Molecular and Cell Technologies Development, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint- Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Sergey Alekseevich Selkov
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Mendeleevskya line, 199034, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry Igorevich Sokolov
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Mendeleevskya line, 199034, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation.,Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Experimental Medicine, Russian Federation
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Liu J, Mosavati B, Oleinikov AV, Du E. Biosensors for Detection of Human Placental Pathologies: A Review of Emerging Technologies and Current Trends. Transl Res 2019; 213:23-49. [PMID: 31170377 PMCID: PMC6783355 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Substantial growth in the biosensor research has enabled novel, sensitive and point-of-care diagnosis of human diseases in the last decade. This paper presents an overview of the research in the field of biosensors that can potentially predict and diagnosis of common placental pathologies. A survey of biomarkers in maternal circulation and their characterization methods is presented, including markers of oxidative stress, angiogenic factors, placental debris, and inflammatory biomarkers that are associated with various pathophysiological processes in the context of pregnancy complications. Novel biosensors enabled by microfluidics technology and nanomaterials is then reviewed. Representative designs of plasmonic and electrochemical biosensors for highly sensitive and multiplexed detection of biomarkers, as well as on-chip sample preparation and sensing for automatic biomarker detection are illustrated. New trends in organ-on-a-chip based placental disease models are highlighted to illustrate the capability of these in vitro disease models in better understanding the complex pathophysiological processes, including mass transfer across the placental barrier, oxidative stress, inflammation, and malaria infection. Biosensor technologies that can be potentially embedded in the placental models for real time, label-free monitoring of these processes and events are suggested. Merger of cell culture in microfluidics and biosensing can provide significant potential for new developments in advanced placental models, and tools for diagnosis, drug screening and efficacy testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
| | - Babak Mosavati
- College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
| | - Andrew V Oleinikov
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida
| | - E Du
- College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida; Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida.
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Zandi K. A Real-Time Cell Analyzing Assay for Identification of Novel Antiviral Compounds against Chikungunya Virus. Methods Mol Biol 2017; 1426:255-62. [PMID: 27233278 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3618-2_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Screening of viral inhibitors through induction of cytopathic effects (CPE) by conventional method has been applied for various viruses including Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a significant arbovirus. However, it does not provide the information about cytopathic effect from the beginning and throughout the course of virus replication. Conventionally, most of the approaches are constructed on laborious end-point assays which are not capable for detecting minute and rapid changes in cellular morphology. Therefore, we developed a label-free and dynamical method for monitoring the cellular features that comprises cell attachment, proliferation, and viral cytopathogenicity, known as the xCELLigence real-time cell analysis (RTCA). In this chapter, we provide a RTCA protocol for quantitative analysis of CHIKV replication using an infected Vero cell line treated with ribavirin as an in vitro model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keivan Zandi
- Tropical Infectious Disease Research and Education Center (TIDREC), Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Wang HY, Hsu MK, Wang KH, Tseng CP, Chen FC, Hsu JTA. Non-small-cell lung cancer cells combat epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition through immediate adhesion-related responses. Onco Targets Ther 2016; 9:2961-73. [PMID: 27284246 PMCID: PMC4881734 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s96341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib, have greatly improved treatment efficacy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with drug-sensitive EGFR mutations. However, in some TKI responders, the benefits of such targeted therapies are limited by the rapid development of resistance, and strategies to overcome this resistance are urgently needed. Studies of drug resistance in cancer cells typically involve long term in vitro induction to obtain stably acquired drug-resistant cells followed by elucidation of resistance mechanisms, but the immediate responses of cancer cells upon drug treatment have been ignored. The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate responses of NSCLC cells upon treatment with EGFR TKIs. RESULTS Both NSCLC cells, ie, PC9 and H1975, showed immediate enhanced adhesion-related responses as an apoptosis-countering mechanism upon first-time TKI treatment. By gene expression and pathway analysis, adhesion-related pathways were enriched in gefitinib-treated PC9 cells. Pathway inhibition by small-hairpin RNAs or small-molecule drugs revealed that within hours of EGFR TKI treatment, NSCLC cells used adhesion-related responses to combat the drugs. Importantly, we show here that the Src family inhibitor, dasatinib, dramatically inhibits cell adhesion-related response and greatly enhances the cell-killing effects of EGFR TKI (gefitinib for the PC9 cells; afatinib for the H1975 cells) in NSCLC cells, which would otherwise escape the TKI-induced apoptosis. CONCLUSION Results from this study indicate that NSCLC cells can employ the adhesion response as a survival pathway to survive under EGFR-targeted therapy. Simultaneous targeting of EGFR signaling and adhesion pathways would further boost the efficacy of EGFR-targeted therapy in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsian-Yu Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Zhunan, Miaoli County, Republic of China; Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Min-Kung Hsu
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Zhunan, Miaoli County, Republic of China; Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Kai-Hsuan Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Zhunan, Miaoli County, Republic of China
| | - Ching-Ping Tseng
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China; Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Feng-Chi Chen
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Zhunan, Miaoli County, Republic of China; Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - John T-A Hsu
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), Zhunan, Miaoli County, Republic of China; Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Hsinchu, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Birger A, Besser E, Reubinoff B, Behar O. A new impedance based approach to test the activity of recombinant protein--Semaphorins as a test case. Eur J Cell Biol 2015; 94:453-7. [PMID: 26111659 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological activity of a recombinant protein is routinely measured using a bioassay such as an enzyme assay. However, many proteins have no enzymatic activity and in many cases it is difficult to devise a simple and reliable approach to test their activity. Semaphorins, Ephrins, Slits, Netrins or amylin-assisted proteins have numerous activities affecting many systems and cell types in the human body. Most of them are also able to induce rapid cytoskeleton changes at least in some cell types. We assumed therefore, that such proteins might be tested based on their ability to modulate the cytoskeleton. Here we tested a number of semaphorins in an impedance based label-free platform that allows for dynamic monitoring of subtle morphological and adhesive changes. This system has proved to be a very fast, sensitive and effective way to monitor and determine the activity of such proteins. Furthermore we showed that it is possible to customize a cell-protein system by transfecting the cells with specific receptors and test the cell response following the addition of the recombinant ligand protein. Since other protein families such as Ephrins and Netrins can also influence the cytoskeleton of some cells, this approach may be applicable to a large number of proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasya Birger
- Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center, The Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Elazar Besser
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, P.O. Box 12272, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Benjamin Reubinoff
- Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center, The Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Oded Behar
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University, P.O. Box 12272, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel.
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Time-dependent adhesive interaction of osteoblastic cells with polished titanium alloyed implant surfaces. J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2013; 11:e1-8. [PMID: 22798245 DOI: 10.5301/jabfm.2012.9263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Design optimization and surface modifications of orthopedic implants are focused on adhesive properties depending on specific applications. To obtain an in-vitro understanding of the adhesion interaction of bone cells on implant surfaces the time-dependent adhesion behavior of osteoblastic cells was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS MG-63 osteoblastic cells were seeded on discs of polished titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) and allowed to adhere for various time periods (1 to 48 h). Using a spinning disc device and a confocal laser scanning microscope (LSM) the shear stress required to detach the bone cells from the substrate was determined. An approximation of the adhesion force was calculated from measurements of cell height and contact radius. RESULTS Shear stress ranged from 40.4 N/m2 to 82.4 N/m2 showing an increase in cell adhesion reaching a maximum after 6 h before decreasing significantly. Using the cell height and contact radii, measured for the various time periods, the lowest adhesion force of 232 nN was approximated after 1 h cell adhesion and analogous to the adhesion strength measurements, the highest of 664 nN after 6 h. Generally, cell adhesion decreased at incubation times longer than 6 h before an increase after 48 h was observed once again. CONCLUSIONS Differences in adhesion behavior over time indicate dynamic cell-substrate interactions because of cell migration and proliferation processes. The study stresses the importance of calculating the adhesion force rather than shear stress to gain more expressive data regarding cell adhesion.
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Bianchi E, Molteni R, Pardi R, Dubini G. Microfluidics for in vitro biomimetic shear stress-dependent leukocyte adhesion assays. J Biomech 2012. [PMID: 23200903 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2012.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Recruitment of leukocytes from blood to tissues is a multi-step process playing a major role in the activation of inflammatory responses. Tethering and rolling of leukocytes along the vessel wall, followed by arrest and transmigration through the endothelium result from chemoattractant-dependent signals, inducing adhesive and migratory events. Shear forces exerted by the blood flow on leukocytes induce rolling via selectin-mediated interactions with endothelial cells and increase the probability of leukocytes to engage their chemokine receptors, facilitating integrin activation and consequent arrest. Flow-derived shear forces generate mechanical stimuli concurring with biochemical signals in the modulation of leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions. In the last few years, a host of in vitro studies have clarified the biochemical adhesion cascade and the role of shear stress in leukocyte extravasation. The limitation of the static environment in Boyden devices has been overcome both by the use of parallel-plate flow chambers and by custom models mimicking the in vivo conditions, along with widespread microfluidic approaches to in vitro modeling. These devices create an in vitro biomimetic environment where the multi-step transmigration process can be imaged and quantified under mechanical and biochemical controlled conditions, including fluid dynamic settings, channel design, materials and surface coatings. This paper reviews the technological solutions recently proposed to model, observe and quantify leukocyte adhesion behavior under shear flow, with a final survey of high-throughput solutions featuring multiple parallel assays as well as thorough and time-saving statistical interpretation of the experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bianchi
- LaBS-Laboratory of Biological Structure Mechanics, Department of Structural Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Bernardini C, Greco F, Zannoni A, Bacci ML, Seren E, Forni M. Differential expression of nitric oxide synthases in porcine aortic endothelial cells during LPS-induced apoptosis. JOURNAL OF INFLAMMATION-LONDON 2012. [PMID: 23181483 PMCID: PMC3542028 DOI: 10.1186/1476-9255-9-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background It is well known that nitric oxide (NO) is generated by a family of constitutively (nNOS and eNOS) or inducibly (iNOS) expressed enzymes and takes part in different aspects of the inflammatory response; nevertheless, its effective role in the pathogenesis of multiple organ dysfunction and septic shock is not fully understood. Methods To investigate the Nitric Oxide Synthases (NOSs) expression in endothelial cells during endotoxin exposure and the involvement of NO in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced apoptosis, primary cultures of porcine Aortic Endothelial Cells (pAECs) were exposed to LPS for different time periods (1-24 h) and to LPS + L-NAME (15 h). Results Lipopolysaccharide induced an increase in mRNA and protein iNOS expression; on the contrary, the expression of eNOS was decreased. Furthermore, NOSs localisation was in part modified by LPS treatment. No alteration in the total level of Nitric Oxide was observed. L-NAME (5 mM) addition determined a slight decrease of LPS-induced apoptosis. Conclusions Endotoxin treatment strongly influenced NOS expression with an upregulation of iNOS and a simultaneous down regulation of eNOS. Moreover, in our model, the involvement of NO on LPS-induced apoptosis is very modest, suggesting that different pathways are involved in the regulation of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bernardini
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences-DIMEVET, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
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Abstract
Label-free biosensors for studying cell biology have finally come of age. Recent developments have advanced the biosensors from low throughput and high maintenance research tools to high throughput and low maintenance screening platforms. In parallel, the biosensors have evolved from an analytical tool solely for molecular interaction analysis to powerful platforms for studying cell biology at the whole cell level. This paper presents historical development, detection principles, and applications in cell biology of label-free biosensors. Future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Fang
- Biochemical Technologies, Science and Technology Division, Corning Inc., Corning, NY 14831, USA
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Cheung KC, Di Berardino M, Schade-Kampmann G, Hebeisen M, Pierzchalski A, Bocsi J, Mittag A, Tárnok A. Microfluidic impedance-based flow cytometry. Cytometry A 2010; 77:648-66. [PMID: 20583276 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.20910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Microfabricated flow cytometers can detect, count, and analyze cells or particles using microfluidics and electronics to give impedance-based characterization. Such systems are being developed to provide simple, low-cost, label-free, and portable solutions for cell analysis. Recent work using microfabricated systems has demonstrated the capability to analyze micro-organisms, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and animal and human cell lines. Multifrequency impedance measurements can give multiparametric, high-content data that can be used to distinguish cell types. New combinations of microfluidic sample handling design and microscale flow phenomena have been used to focus and position cells within the channel for improved sensitivity. Robust designs will enable focusing at high flowrates while reducing requirements for control over multiple sample and sheath flows. Although microfluidic impedance-based flow cytometers have not yet or may never reach the extremely high throughput of conventional flow cytometers, the advantages of portability, simplicity, and ability to analyze single cells in small populations are, nevertheless, where chip-based cytometry can make a large impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen C Cheung
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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