Noninvasive Superoxide Monitoring of in Vitro Neuronal Differentiation Using a Cell-Based Biosensor

Abstract

Membrane-engineered cells bearing superoxide dismutase (SOD) molecules on their surface offer the capability of ultrarapid and ultrasensitive detection of the superoxide anion (O-2) through the measurement of changes of their cell membrane potential. We herewith report the application of this technology for the noninvasive determination of superoxide levels during the in vitro differentiation of PC12 cells. We were able to detect changes in O-2 accumulation in the culture medium, which were closely associated with the progress of neuronal differentiation.