Data acquisition and impedance mapping using a multielectrode bioimpedance spectroscopy system

Abstract

We report on the implementation of an automated multi-microelectrode recording and analysis system for cell culture impedance evaluation. This system spatially resolves impedance distribution of normal or abnormal cell cultures. The spatially resolved distribution will aid in distinguishing normal and pathological cell cultures based on 1) cell differentiation, 2) motility, 3) distribution, 4) cell-cell and 5) cell-matrix interaction. These quantities may, individually or in combination, also aid in detecting physiological abnormality. A PGSTAT potentiostat/galvanostat system with FRA2, impedance measurement module and MUX-16, a 16 channel multiplexer module were used for automated multi-channel impedance measurements. The multiplexer and impedance module were programmed for automated measurement and channel switching using the programming capability built within the AUTOLAB system. The resulting dataset was imported into MATLAB for data sorting, smoothing, interpolation, parameter extraction and impedance mapping in the two dimensional culture space. The system was employed to monitor the cell cycle of OVCA429 ovarian cancer cells for a period of 71 hours. Results demonstrate the viability of the system in monitoring the morphological characteristics of cell cultures. © Springer-Verlag 2007.