Electric substrate impedance sensing or ECIS TM (a trademark of Applied BioPhysics Inc.) refers to a non-invasive biophysical approach to monitor cell life in vitro , in well-defined laboratory environments.
In ECIS cells grow on the surface of a small gold electrode-planar film, which is stored at the bottom of the cell culture plate (petri dish). The AC impedance of the cell-coated electrode is then measured at one or more frequencies as a function of time. Due to the nature of their membrane insulation the cells behave like dielectric particles so that the impedance increases with increasing coverage of the electrode until a confluent cell (ie continuous) cell is formed. In the confluent cell layer the measured impedance is mainly determined by the three-dimensional cell shape. If cellular shape changes occur, the current path through and around the cell body changes as well, leading to an increase or decrease in the appropriate impedance. Thus, by recording time-settled impedance measurements, cell shape changes can be followed in real time with sub-microscopic resolution and can be used for bioanalytical purposes.
Because the animal's cell shape responds very sensitively to changes in metabolism as well as chemical, biological or physical stimulation, ECIS techniques are applied in a variety of experimental settings in cell biology research labs. It can be used as a sensor in cytotoxicity studies, drug development or as a noninvasive way to adhere to cell adhesion to the in vitro surface . Equipment based on ECIS techniques is also dedicated to monitoring the activity of adherent cell chemokinetic scattered on the surface of electrodes (micromotion) as well as their chemotactic activity in ECIS-based wound healing tests.
Video Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing
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Source of the article : Wikipedia
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