Electrical characterization of single cells using polysilicon wire ion sensor in an isolation window

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Biosensing Technology

Background:

• Cellular behavior, including adhesion and apoptosis, influences the extracellular microenvironment.
• Monitoring extracellular acidification provides insights into cell metabolic activity and health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and utilize a polysilicon wire (PSW) sensor for detecting single normal and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell characteristics.
• To differentiate between normal and NSCLC cells based on their adhesion, apoptosis, and extracellular acidification rates.

Main Methods:

• A polysilicon wire (PSW) sensor integrated with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) isolation window was used.
• Single human normal cells (WI38, MRC5, BEAS-2B) and NSCLC cells (A549, H1299, CH27) were cultured and monitored.
• Changes in channel current through the PSW sensor were measured to determine cell adhesion and apoptosis, and to assess extracellular pH.

Main Results:

• PSW sensor successfully detected cell adhesion saturation and apoptosis.
• NSCLC cells demonstrated significantly higher channel current changes, indicating lower extracellular pH, compared to normal cells.
• Average pH values after adhesion were 5.86-6.20 for NSCLC cells and 6.90-7.02 for normal cells.

Conclusions:

• NSCLC cells exhibit distinct adhesion and extracellular acidification profiles compared to normal cells.
• The PSW sensor is a viable tool for real-time monitoring of single-cell behavior and distinguishing between normal and cancerous cells.
• Enhanced cell-substrate adhesion and higher acidification rates are characteristic of NSCLC cells.