Recent advances in electric analysis of cells in microfluidic systems

Anal Bioanal Chem. 2008 Jun;391(3):933-42. doi: 10.1007/s00216-008-1899-x. Epub 2008 Mar 12.

Abstract

Microfluidics offers an ideal platform to integrate cell-based assays with electric measurements. The technological advances in microfluidics, microelectronics, electrochemistry, and electrophysiology have greatly inspired the development of microfluidic/electric devices that work with a low number of cells or single cells. The applications of these microfluidic systems range from the detecting of cell culture density to the probing of cellular functions at the single-cell level. In this review, we introduce the recent advances in the electric analysis of cells on a microfluidic platform, specifically related to the quantification and monitoring of cells in static solution, on-chip patch-clamp measurement, and examination of flowing cells. We also point out future directions and challenges in this field.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Culture Techniques / instrumentation
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Electrochemistry / instrumentation
  • Electrochemistry / methods
  • Electrodes
  • Electronics / instrumentation
  • Electronics / methods*
  • Flow Cytometry / instrumentation
  • Flow Cytometry / methods
  • Humans
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation
  • Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods*
  • Microfluidics / instrumentation*
  • Microfluidics / methods*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity