Real-time multi-parameter cell-based analysis platform: towards new tools for biomedical research

Monitoring cellular dynamics such as cell surface interactions, metabolic processes and exocytosis, can help unravelling the causes behind the evolution of diseases associated with cellular dysfunction. A better understanding of cellular behaviour opens up possibilities for the development of new biomedical diagnostic techniques, drug discovery and screening.

My project focused on the further development, improvement and exploration of the EXCELL microfluidic platform with particular interest in drug kinetic monitoring and neurotransmitter detection. The aim was to perform multi-parameter real-time cell based assays for their future application as complementary tools in biomedical research.

Specifically, the research has focused on: (1) Characterization of the cell culture and detection platforms (batch system for static conditions and microfluidics for perfusion conditions) and optimization of protocols and procedures for performing different cellular assays. (2) Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) applied for drug screening and drug delivery in cancer research and wound healing studies. (3) Amperometry for monitoring of neurotransmitter exocytosis, relevant in research on Parkinson’s disease. (4) The combination of amperometry, EIS monitoring and microscopic visualization in microfluidics assays for real-time multi-parameter analysis on the same cell population.

The research carried out in this thesis branches out from the context of the EU-funded FP7 project EXCELL (Exploring Cellular Dynamics at Nanoscale) aimed at developing innovative systems for the investigation of real time cellular dynamics. The main focus of the EXCELL project was related to the development of a multi-parameter microfluidic cell culture and detection platform, combining electrochemical and optical techniques.