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Optically transparent electrodes to study living cells: A mini review
Artem N Kuzovlev1, Anatoly K Evseev2, Irina V Goroncharovskaya2
1Laboratory of Clinical Pathophysiology of Critical States, Federal Research and Clinical Center of Intensive Care Medicine and Rehabilitology, Moscow, Russia.
Biotechnology and Bioengineering
|April 8, 2021
Summary
Optically transparent electrodes enable simultaneous electrochemical and microscopic study of living cells, advancing research in cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and material biocompatibility for implants and hemosorbents.
Area of Science:
- Electrochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Electrochemical methods have long been used to study living systems.
- Controlling electrode polarization influences cell behavior like proliferation and protein synthesis.
- Electrochemical approaches enhance biocompatibility of materials for implants and hemosorbents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in using optically transparent electrodes for studying living cells.
- To explore the interaction between living cells and conductive materials.
- To discuss the prospects of optically transparent electrodes in cellular technologies.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing optically transparent electrodes for simultaneous electrochemical and microscopic analysis of cells.
- Investigating the influence of electrode potential on cell adhesion and morphology.
- Reviewing current literature on optically transparent electrodes in cell studies.
Main Results:
- Optically transparent electrodes offer a unique advantage for real-time, multimodal analysis of cell activity.
- Detailed studies on electrode potential effects on HeLa and endothelial cells are facilitated.
- The field has seen limited publications despite the significant advantages.
Conclusions:
- Optically transparent electrodes represent a powerful tool for advancing cell biology research.
- This technology has potential applications in developing improved biocompatible materials and cellular technologies.
- Further research is warranted to fully exploit the capabilities of optically transparent electrodes in studying cell-material interactions.

