Nonlinear harmonic responses of live cells using high-Tc Superconducting quantum interference devices

Abstract

We report on a novel application of high-Tc SQUIDs, in which harmonics produced by live cells in response to a sinusoidal electric field are measured. The use of SQUIDs to probe induced currents without contacts reduces spurious harmonics generated at electrode interfaces, and enables one to noninvasively probe metabolic activity manifested by changes in conformational states of protein complexes in the plasma membrane and internal organelles. The method can also potentially be developed for clinical applications. © 2006 American Institute of Physics.