Two-dimensional impedance imaging of cell migration and epithelial stratification

Lab Chip. 2006 Sep;6(9):1155-62. doi: 10.1039/b603856e. Epub 2006 Aug 3.

Abstract

We present a miniaturized impedance imaging system, developed for 2D imaging of cell and tissue culture. The system is based on 16 microelectrodes (5 microm x 4 mm). An equivalent circuit for four-point (tetrapolar) impedance spectra was developed and validated. The system uses an Agilent 4294A impedance analyser combined with a front-end amplifier for the impedance measurements. Human epithelial stem cells (YF 29) were grown on the device surface. Cell migration speeds of 300 nm min(-1) following a "scratch" wound closure assay could be established. Using a commercial software developed for geophysical prospecting, we could generate impedance tomography images at 10 kHz revealing cell migration, increase of epithelial thickness and changes in tissue resistivity over a time course of several days.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Electric Impedance*
  • Equipment Design
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Keratinocytes / physiology*
  • Male
  • Microelectrodes
  • Miniaturization
  • Skin / cytology
  • Time Factors
  • Wound Healing / physiology*