Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Figure 5.5
Single cell impedance measurements set-up.
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A) Platinum was patterned
onto a polyester substrate, and the electrodes near the recording chamber
were plated with platinum black. B) Insulated, electrode array. C) A
polycarbonate interface (C-i) allowed for positioning of the electrode
array (C-ii) such that spring-loaded gold pins (C-iii) connected the bond
pads on the electrode array to bond pads (C-iv) on a printed circuit board
(PCB, C-v). Inset shows the multiple layers of the electrode array (a
polyester base (ii1), recessed platinum-black coated electrodes (ii2), and
insulating Kapton tape (ii3)). D) PCB and fluidic interface positioned on
the stage of an upright microscope showing the headstage amplifiers (D-i),
computer controlled digital switches (D-ii) and vacuum-port (D-iii).
(Reprinted by kind permission of Royal Society of Chemistry Publishing.)
impedance analysis which enables accurate, sensitive and reliable assays to be
performed in real time and under constant automated monitoring. These types
of biosensors also offer the potential to study the behavior of neuron cells in a
non-destructive assay format which may provide considerable benefit to those
working in research areas such as neurology, cytotoxicity and pharmacology. It
addresses markets such as the pharmaceutical industry, environmental moni-
toring, healthcare, and security/defense sectors.
An interesting development with respect to impedance-based techniques is
their application to the study of neurodegenerative diseases as illustrated by the
work of the Sierks group at Arizona State University, USA. The focus of this
