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Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy for Microtissue Spheroid Analysis in Hanging-Drop Networks
Yannick R F Schmid1, Sebastian C Bürgel1, Patrick M Misun1
1Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, Bio Engineering Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland.
ACS Sensors
|April 14, 2021
Summary
Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) offers a label-free method for monitoring 3D tissue constructs. This study integrates EIS into a hanging-drop platform for real-time spheroid analysis, including growth and cardiac beating.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Tissue Engineering
- Biosensing Technologies
Background:
- Label-free and noninvasive monitoring of 3D tissue constructs is crucial for research.
- Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is an emerging technique for biological analysis.
- Hanging-drop platforms enable spheroid culture in perfused multitissue configurations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate an Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) readout function into a hanging-drop network platform.
- To demonstrate the capability of EIS for monitoring microtissue spheroids in situ.
- To enable real-time analysis of microtissue growth and function.
Main Methods:
- Integration of two pairs of microelectrodes into the hanging-drop support via a glass inlay.
- Utilizing larger electrodes for drop size control and smaller electrodes for spheroid monitoring.
- Implementing the system within a microfluidic structure for perfused multitissue cultures.
Main Results:
- Successful integration of EIS readout into the hanging-drop network platform.
- Demonstrated ability to monitor microtissue spheroid size, tracking growth (e.g., cancer microtissues).
- Showcased capability to monitor cardiac microtissue beating in situ.
Conclusions:
- The integration of EIS into hanging-drop networks is feasible.
- This multifunctional platform allows for label-free, noninvasive monitoring of microtissues.
- The system supports real-time analysis of microtissue development and function.
