Frequency-dependent impedance analysis for discriminating cancer and normal cells using microchamber array

Abstract

We present an impedance monitoring microchamber array for discriminating normal and cancer cells, the top layer of which is covered to form a stable contact between the cells and the electrodes in each microchamber. Compared with devices in previous works, the present device is capable of maintaining long-term cell-to-electrode contact, simply by loading the cells on the electrodes placed in each microchamber and covering the layer, thereby achieving frequency-dependent impedance analysis without additional apparatus. By comparing the impedance response of two human lung cancer cell lines with a normal lung cell line, we verified that the cancer cells are clearly distinguishable against the normal cells by showing both lower resistance (241 vs 271 kΩ) and capacitance (3.13 vs 7.01 nF) in the frequency range of 200 Hz to 2 MHz. Simplicity of cell loading and the capability for determining characteristics of the cancer cells were demonstrated using the device.