Frequency-dependent signal transfer at the interface between electrogenic cells and nanocavity electrodes

Abstract

We present a model to describe the response of chip-based nanocavity sensors during extracellular recording of action potentials. These sensors feature microelectrodes which are embedded in liquid-filled cavities. They can be used for the highly localized detection of electrical signals on a chip. We calculate the sensor's impedance and simulate the propagation of action potentials. Subsequently we apply our findings to analyze cell-chip coupling properties. The results are compared to experimental data obtained from cardiomyocyte-like cells. We show that both the impedance and the modeled action potentials fit the experimental data well. Furthermore, we find evidence for a large seal resistance of cardiomyocytes on nanocavity sensors compared to conventional planar recording systems.