Microphysiological testing for chemosensitivity of tumor cells with multiparametric microsensor chips

摘要

A constraint in the reliability of predictive chemosensitivity assays is linked to the fact that they analyze only a single cellular or biochemical parameter. A multiparametric test system has been developed which can detect online microphysiological changes in living cells. Tumor cells were grown directly on silicon-based sensor chips. Changes in extracellular pH and pO_2, reflecting metabolic activities can be monitored at the same time with integrated planar sensors. In this study, tumor cells were exposed to an alkylating agent and their response was monitored. The status report confirms the significance of respiration monitoring for the analysis of cell vitality and it suggests technological improvements for the implementation of oxygen measurement with micromachined electrode structures.