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Micropillar-Based Biosensor for Monitoring Contamination- and Compound-Induced Metabolic States in Cell Cultures
Masoud Khazaei1,2, Jann Harberts1,2, Azadeh Nilghaz1,3
1Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|June 21, 2026
Summary
A new microfluidic biosensor enables real-time monitoring of glucose and lactate in stem cell cultures. This technology allows for early detection of metabolic changes, improving cell culture quality and drug development.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Stem cell culture quality is crucial for research and therapies.
- Metabolic disturbances in stem cells affect outcomes.
- Current analytical methods are time-consuming and disruptive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a miniaturized biosensing platform for real-time analysis of glucose and lactate.
- To enable early detection of metabolic changes in stem cell cultures.
- To monitor stem cell quality and drug responses.
Main Methods:
- A microfluidic electrochemical device (MED) with a micropillar array (MPA) was developed.
- Serial time-resolved analysis of glucose and lactate in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) media.
- Quantification of metabolic responses to mitochondrial inhibition.
Main Results:
- The MED demonstrated linear detection ranges for glucose (0.5-35 mM) and lactate (0.5-40 mM).
- Low limits of detection (LODs) of 0.18 mM for glucose and 0.19 mM for lactate were achieved.
- The platform detected metabolic alterations prior to observable morphological changes.
Conclusions:
- The MED provides a practical solution for continuous monitoring of stem cell metabolism.
- This technology facilitates earlier identification of culture deviations and drug-induced effects.
- The platform supports improved quality control in stem cell research and therapies.
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