Multi-purpose impedance-based measurement system to automate microinjection of adherent cells

This paper presents a multi-purpose measurement system developed to automate cellular microinjection. The system is based on measuring impedance between an injection solution in an injection capillary and cell culture medium where cells grow. The system can be used for detecting a contact between a cell and the injection capillary, a broken capillary, a clogged capillary, an aged measurement electrode and faulty injection solution. The measurement system facilitates the development of an expert system for guiding cellular injections, and later a fully automatic microinjection system.