RESUMEN
Over the past 5 years, microphysiometry has proved an effective means for detecting physiological changes in cultured cells, particularly as a functional assay for the activation of many cellular receptors. To demonstrate the clinical relevance of this method, we have used it to detect bacterial antibiotic sensitivity and to discriminate between bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal concentrations. The light-addressable potentiometric sensor, upon which microphysiometry is based, is well suited for structural manipulations based on photolithography and micromachining, and we have begun to take advantage of this capability. We present results from a research instrument with eight separate assay channels on a 5-cm2 chip. We discuss the planned evolution of the technology toward high-through-put instruments and instruments capable of performing single-cell measurements.
Asunto(s)
Técnicas Biosensibles , Silicio , Células Cultivadas , Humanos , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Células Tumorales CultivadasAsunto(s)
Potenciometría/instrumentación , Adenosina Trifosfato/análisis , Animales , Células/química , Células/efectos de los fármacos , Células/metabolismo , Técnicas de Química Analítica/instrumentación , Diagnóstico por Imagen/instrumentación , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática/instrumentación , Diseño de Equipo , Humanos , Concentración de Iones de Hidrógeno , Luz , Lípidos de la Membrana , Potenciales de la Membrana , Semiconductores , Compuestos de Silicona/efectos de la radiaciónRESUMEN
Cellular metabolism is affected by many factors in a cell's environment. Given a sufficiently sensitive method for measuring cellular metabolic rates, it should be possible to detect a wide variety of chemical and physical stimuli. A biosensor has been constructed in which living cells are confined to a flow chamber in which a potentiometric sensor continually measures the rate of production of acidic metabolites. Exploratory studies demonstrate several applications of the device in basic science and technology.