Cell Based Sensing Technologies

Abstract

Biosensor technology is the driving force in the development of biochips capable of detecting and analyzing biomolecules. A biosensor is a device that detects, records, and transmits information regarding a physiological change or the presence of various chemical or biological materials in the environment. Cell based sensing is the most promising alternative to the existing bio-sensing techniques as cells have the capability of identifying very minute concentrations of environmental agents. The use of living cells as sensing elements provides the opportunity for high sensitivity to a broad range of chemically active substances which affect the electrochemical activity of cells. This chapter provides an overview of the development of cell-based sensors for biological and chemical detection applications, along with significant advances over the last several years. Special emphasis will be given on recently developed planar microelectrode arrays for enabling extracellular recording from electrochemically active cells cultured in vivo. The extracellular signal spectrum can be modulated when the cells are exposed to a variety of chemical agents and this modulated signal constitutes a “signature pattern” which serves as the finger print for a specific chemical agent. Cell based sensors can change the sensing paradigm from “detect-to-treat” to “detect-to-warn”.