A cell culture device equipped with a micro-needle electrode array fabricated using backside exposure mold and resin...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering

Background:

• Cell mass analysis requires specialized devices for signal detection.
• Existing micro-needle fabrication often involves complex processes like anisotropic etching.
• Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are common but require additional steps for sharp needles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a novel cell culture device with a micro-needle electrode array.
• To enable signal analysis of cell spheroids, cell masses, and cell sheets.
• To develop a simplified fabrication method for sharp, tapered micro-needles.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of tapered needles using backside exposure and thick resist film on a glass substrate.
• Utilizing optical diffraction and attenuation for tapered intensity distribution.
• Resist development to achieve a needle-like shape without additional MEMS processes.
• Theoretical analysis of optical intensity distribution and device design.

Main Results:

• A micro-needle electrode array device was successfully fabricated.
• The device demonstrated effective signal pick-up from cultured cell mass.
• Distinct signals with spikes and fluctuations were observed on electrodes covered by cell mass, unlike noise on uncovered electrodes.

Conclusions:

• The developed cell culture device with a micro-needle electrode array is effective for signal analysis of cell masses.
• The simplified fabrication method, utilizing optical properties, avoids complex MEMS processes.
• The device shows promise for real-time monitoring and analysis during cell culture.