Electrochemical Characterization of Poly-L-Lysine Coating on Indium Tin Oxide Electrode for Enhancing Cell Adhesion

Nano or microelectrode-based cell chip for stimulating or recording neuronal signals requires better cell adhesion procedures in order to achieve efficient cell based assays for effective cellular diagnosis and for high throughput screening of drug candidates. The cells can be adhered on protein pre-coated sensing electrodes, but the electrochemical characteristics of cells are highly influenced by the electrical charge of the underlying protein interface. Thus, in this study, we report on experimental and theoretical aspects of poly-L-lysine (PLL) adsorption on transparent indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes and the interaction between PLL and human embryonic kidney 293/GFP cells. PLL coated ITO electrodes showed a lower transfer resistance compared to bare or bovine serum albumin coated ITO electrodes. In addition, they exhibited more positive potential and higher magnitude of redox peak currents with increased immersion time of PLL solution. Finally, results of the impedance analysis showed that adhesion of cells was enhanced by PLL coating on ITO electrodes compared to bare ITO electrodes.