Electroporation Microchip With Integrated Conducting Polymer Electrode Array for Highly Sensitive Impedance Measurement.

Abstract

Monitoring of impedance changes during electroporation-based treatments can be used to study the biological response and provide feedback regarding treatment progression. However, seamless integration of the sensing electrodes with the setup can be challenging and high impedance sensing electrodes limit the recording sensitivity as well as the spatial resolution. Here, we present an all-in-one microchip containing stimulation electrodes, as well as an array of low impedance, micro-scale sensing electrodes for highly sensitive impedance monitoring. An in vitro platform is fabricated with integrated stimulation and sensing electrodes. To reduce the impedance, the sensing electrodes are coated with the conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS. The performance is studied during the growth of a confluent cell layer and treatment with electrical pulses. Coated electrodes, compared to uncoated electrodes, show more pronounced impedance changes in a broader frequency range throughout the formation of a confluent cell layer and after electrical treatment. PEDOT:PSS coatings enhance the monitoring of impedance changes with micro-scale electrodes, enabling high spatial resolution and increased sensitivity. Such monitoring systems can be used to study electroporation dynamics and monitor treatment progression for better understanding of underlying mechanisms and improved outcomes.