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Published on: March 12, 2018
A bio-analytical system for rapid cellular electrophysiological assays
Henry O Fatoyinbo1, David H Gould, Fatima H Labeed
1Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Duke of Kent Building (L5), Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom. h.fatoyinbo@surrey.ac.uk
Summary
This study introduces a rapid dielectrophoresis system for real-time bioanalysis. The technology detects subtle cellular electrophysiology changes, like apoptosis, by analyzing dielectrophoretic spectra quickly.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cellular Electrophysiology
- Bioanalytical Techniques
Background:
- Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a label-free technique that uses non-uniform electric fields to manipulate cells.
- Traditional DEP methods can be time-consuming and lack the ability for simultaneous, multi-frequency analysis.
- Monitoring cellular electrophysiology in real-time is crucial for understanding cell responses to stimuli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, programmable system for dielectrophoretic analysis of biological cells using non-uniform AC electric fields.
- To achieve near real-time (within 90 seconds) acquisition of dielectrophoretic spectra.
- To demonstrate the system's capability for simultaneous, parallel measurement of dielectrophoretic forces at different frequencies.
Main Methods:
- Development and implementation of a multi-channel system capable of generating independently configurable non-uniform AC electric fields.
- Utilizing the system for rapid, on-chip acquisition of dielectrophoretic spectra from biological cells.
- Exposing cells to an apoptosis-inducing chemical agent and monitoring spectral changes.
Main Results:
- The developed system successfully obtained dielectrophoretic spectra in near real-time (under 90 seconds).
- Simultaneous, parallel measurements at multiple frequencies were achieved, offering enhanced analytical potential.
- Cells undergoing apoptosis exhibited distinct shifts in their dielectrophoretic spectra, specifically in crossover frequency values, compared to untreated cells.
Conclusions:
- The presented programmable dielectrophoresis system significantly advances bioanalysis by enabling rapid, multi-frequency spectral acquisition.
- This technique offers a powerful tool for detecting subtle, real-time changes in cellular electrophysiology, such as those induced by apoptosis.
- The ability to perform continuous on-chip monitoring opens new avenues for studying cellular responses to various chemical and biological agents.
