Microarray electrodes for impedance imaging and electrical characterization of ex-vivo human liver metastases from colorectal cancer

Abstract

An image of morphologically distinct regions in resected human liver tissue containing metastatic colorectal cancer was generated using micro-electrical impedance spectroscopy (μ-EIS), providing quantitative information on tissue properties and structure, reflecting local gradients in electrical conductivity and permittivity. These impedance measurements were able to differentiate between regions of tumor and non-tumor tissue, allowing for the direct inferences of tissue microstructure and disease state. This work consequently provides major advancements toward a microscale instrument for the real time quantitative differentiation of tumor and non-tumor tissues in the surgical field, aiding the surgeon in selecting proper margins, which have proven to be critical in the long term survival of cancer patients.