On-chip cell culture biosensing with microfluidic feedback control

We present work towards expanding the capabilities of microfluidic cell culture devices through the incorporation of microelectronic sensing systems. A system has been fabricated that includes four sensing regions each consisting of a pH sensor, capacitance sensor, and photodiode. We have demonstrated the incorporation of feedback control systems using computer controlled microfluidics for a pH sensor. Preliminary data for photodiode characterization, pH detection using ISFETs, and capacitance sensing of cell density is presented. Results from this work will be used towards creating a single system that can function as a cell culture platform with programmable control over all of these variables.