(Invited) Cell-Devices Interface: From Single Cell to 3D Tissue Analysis

Abstract

Direct detection and analysis of biomolecules and cells in physiological microenvironment is urgently needed for fast evaluation of biology and pharmacy. The past several years has witnessed remarkable development opportunities in vitro models from single cell to 3D tissue with multiple functions based on microfluidic devices, termed as “cell/organ-on-a-chip”. By recapitulating the multicellular architectures, cell-cell interfaces and physicochemical microenvironments, these devices enable high-resolution, real time sensing and in vitro analysis of biochemical, genetic and metabolic activities of living cells/tissues in a functional tissue and organ context. This lecture will outline our recent research activities for the fundamental study of physical and electrical properties of cells, as well as the development of a new generation of cell/organ on chips that combine aspects of “top-down” nanofabrication approach with a “bottom-up” self-assembly method for cell and tissue measurements. Several newly developed live cell integrated biosensors will be introduced including: 1). Biosensors for single cell analysis; 2). Chip based sensing device for whole cell recording and for neuron mapping upon nanomaterials and drug molecules exposure. The biosensors can monitor crucial cell signaling networks cell metabolic pathways, as well as detecting diseases in their earliest stage, titrating drug effects and enabling worldwide remote diagnosis. (No Image Selected)