Abstract
The following paper describes the design and functions of a miniaturized integrated platform for optical and electrical monitoring of cell cultures and the necessary steps in the fabrication and testing of a silicon microchip Micro ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS)-based technology for cell data recording, monitoring and stimulation. The silicon microchip consists of a MEMS machined device containing a shank of 240 μm width, 3 mm long and 50 μm thick and an enlarged area of 5 mm × 5 mm hosting the pads for electrical connections. Ten platinum electrodes and five sensors are placed on the shank and are connected with the external electronics through the pads. The sensors aim to monitor the pH, the temperature and the impedance of the cell culture. The electrodes are bidirectional and can be used both for electrical potential recording and stimulation of cells. The fabrication steps are presented, along with the electrical and optical characterization of the system. The target of the research is to develop a new and reconfigurable platform according to the particular applications needs, as a tool for the biologist, chemists and medical doctors working is the field of cell culture monitoring in terms of growth, maintenance conditions, reaction to electrical or chemical stimulation (drugs, toxicants, etc.). HaCaT (Immortalised Human Keratinocyte) cell culture has been used for demonstration purposes in order to provide information on the platform electrical and optical functions.
Highlights
For centuries doctors and biologists have dedicated significant efforts to investigate diseases, to analyse the effects of drugs and to identify the best solutions for improving the human health condition
The focus of our paper is the development of a miniaturized platform providing cell culture monitoring, recording and stimulation by using integrated microsensors and microelectrodes fully connected to the computer for measurements and data acquisition
The silicon microchip we developed in 2002 [4]
Summary
For centuries doctors and biologists have dedicated significant efforts to investigate diseases, to analyse the effects of drugs and to identify the best solutions for improving the human health condition. The focus of our paper is the development of a miniaturized platform providing cell culture monitoring, recording and stimulation by using integrated microsensors and microelectrodes fully connected to the computer for measurements and data acquisition. At that moment it fulfilled the needs of neurophysiologists for investigating the nervous system using state of the art microfabrication technology, allowing fabrication of multiple microelectrode arrays for simultaneously recording and stimulating a large number of neurons in the brain [5] The applications of these electrodes require implantable devices able to interface technical aids with peripheral nerves, and the brain [6]. The electronic module and the electrode connections allow both functions: recording and stimulation
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