Modular Integration of Impedance Sensing for Real-Time Assessment of Barrier Integrity

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Microphysiological systems (MPS) are crucial for modeling tissue barriers.
• Integrating electrical readouts into MPS often requires sealed microfluidic architectures, limiting compatibility with open-well laboratory workflows.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modular MPS approach compatible with open-well workflows.
• To enable flexible integration of electrical sensing and microfluidic perfusion.
• To provide continuous impedance measurements for detailed barrier integrity analysis.

Main Methods:

• A modular MPS core with a magnetic interface for attaching functional modules.
• An impedance-sensing module for continuous measurements and equivalent circuit modeling.
• Application of the platform to LPS-induced disruption, shear stress, and 3D hydrogel barrier models.

Main Results:

• The modular design preserves compatibility with open-well protocols.
• Continuous impedance measurements accurately assess barrier function over time.
• Quantification of junctional and non-junctional electrical contributions to barrier integrity was achieved.
• The platform demonstrated versatility across different barrier models and experimental conditions.

Conclusions:

• This modular MPS platform offers a flexible and accessible approach for tissue barrier research.
• It facilitates advanced electrical analysis within standard bioscience laboratory settings.
• The technology supports diverse applications in drug discovery and toxicology testing.