Impedance-based sensing of adherent cells on a digital microfluidic device
US9448223B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12M41/36
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices and methods are provided for measuring, on a digital microfluidic platform, electrical signals associated with the impedance of adherent cells. In one embodiment, a sub-droplet of cell culture media containing adherent cells is passively dispensed at a pre-selected electrode location where a local hydrophilic surface region is provided, and adherent cells are attached to the local hydrophilic surface region. The cell culture media sub-droplet is replaced with a sub-droplet of a low-conductivity medium in a passive dispensing step, retaining the attached adherent cells. An AC voltage with a suitable frequency is applied between electrodes of the device and a signal associated with the impedance of the adherent cells is obtained. One of the electrodes to which the AC voltage is applied may be a dedicated sensing electrode. The local thickness of a dielectric layer coating the pre-selected electrode may be reduced to increase the detection sensitivity of the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.