Microplate-based impedance and thermal sensing system for concurrent cell viability and counting analysis.

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology and Analysis
• Biosensing Technologies

Background:

• Traditional cell count and viability assays are often destructive and provide only end-point data.
• Accurate, real-time monitoring of cell populations is crucial for optimizing bioprocesses and drug discovery.
• Existing methods lack the ability for continuous, non-destructive analysis in standard microplate formats.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel multi-parameter sensing platform for concurrent, label-free measurement of cell count and viability.
• To integrate thermal and impedance sensing modalities for independent assessment of biomass and membrane integrity.
• To enable real-time, non-destructive monitoring of cell cultures in a microplate format.

Main Methods:

• Development of a microplate-based sensing platform integrating thermal and impedance sensing elements.
• Utilizing distinct sensitivities of thermal (biomass) and impedance (membrane integrity) sensing to cell parameters.
• Application of multivariate regression models for independent prediction of cell number and viability.
• Experimental validation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures at varying concentrations and viability states.

Main Results:

• The platform successfully enabled concurrent, label-free analysis of cell count and viability.
• Multivariate regression models achieved root mean square errors of 0.106 ×10⁷ cells and 19.67% viability.
• Prediction accuracy improved at higher cell concentrations, with viability error reduced to 5.02%.
• Demonstrated capability for real-time, non-destructive monitoring of cell cultures.

Conclusions:

• The integrated sensing platform offers a promising, cost-effective alternative to traditional destructive cell analysis methods.
• Real-time insights into cell population dynamics can significantly enhance bioprocess optimization, drug screening, and toxicity testing.
• The platform's compatibility with standard microplates facilitates seamless integration into existing laboratory workflows.