A novel multiparametric microphysiometry system for dynamic cell culture monitoring

A novel microphysiometry platform for dynamic cell culture monitoring in drug screening and cancer cell research is presented. The transparent system features an integrated cell cultivation area, microfluidics and (bio-)sensors for multiparametric metabolic monitoring, combined on a single glass chip. The parameters include glucose and lactate (amperometric biosensors), oxygen (amperometric), pH (potentiometric) and cellular adhesion (interdigital electrode). In contrast to traditional silicon chip based systems, the choice of transparent materials allows microscopy at all times of cell cultivation and measurement. The introduction of biosensors allows the monitoring of additional key metabolic parameters with a detection limit for lactate as low as 2 μM. Integrated multi layer microfluidics enable dynamic measurements, further improving the analytical performance. The modular system is microfabricated in a cost-effective hybrid integration of thin film and laminate technology.