Stretchable Sponge-Based Electrochemical Biosensor for Real-Time Sensing of Cells in Three-Dimensional Culture

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Biosensors

Background:

• Accurate in vivo cell studies require 3D culture systems with real-time monitoring capabilities.
• Existing 3D scaffolds lack effective real-time analysis techniques for dynamic microenvironments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stretchable and conductive 3D scaffold biosensor for real-time monitoring of cellular processes in 3D cultures.
• To investigate the impact of drug stimulants and mechanical forces on reactive oxygen species release.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a polyurethane sponge (PU) scaffold coated with conductive carbon ink (CC/PU) and electrodeposited with gold nanoparticles (nano-Au).
• Utilizing the nano-Au CC/PU scaffold as an electrochemical biosensor for H2O2 detection.
• Culturing HeLa cells directly on the scaffold for in situ monitoring.

Main Results:

• The nano-Au CC/PU scaffold demonstrated excellent electrocatalytic activity for H2O2 detection within a linear range of 20 nM to 43 μM.
• Successful in situ and real-time tracking of H2O2 secretion from HeLa cells cultured on the scaffold.
• Demonstrated that drug stimulants and mechanical forces rapidly activate reactive oxygen species release.

Conclusions:

• The developed stretchable 3D sensing scaffold provides a viable tool for cell biology research in an in vivo-like microenvironment.
• The scaffold shows potential for applications in tissue engineering, drug screening, and pathological research.