Multi-sensor arrays for online monitoring of cell dynamics in in vitro studies with choroid plexus epithelial cells.

Sensors and multi-sensor arrays are the basis of new technologies for the non-label monitoring of cell activity. In this paper we show that choroid plexus cells can be cultured on silicon chips and that sensors register in real time changes in their activity, constituting an interesting experimental paradigm for cell biology and medical research. To validate the signals recorded (metabolism = peri-cellular acidification, oxygen consumption = respiration; impedance = adhesion, cell shape and motility) we performed experiments with compounds that act in a well-known way on cells, influencing these parameters.

The surface topography of the choroid plexus. Environmental, low and high vacuum scanning electron microscopy.

Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) allows the examination of hydrated and dried specimens without a conductive metal coating which could be advantageous in the imaging of biological and medical objects. The aim of this study was to assess the performance and benefits of wet-mode and low vacuum ESEM in comparison to high vacuum scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using the choroid plexus of chicken embryos as a model, an organ of the brain involved in the formation of cerebrospinal fluid in vertebrates. Specimens were fixed with or without heavy metals and examined directly or after critical point drying with or without metal coating.

The Bionas technology for anticancer drug screening.

Background: The Bionas 2500(®) analyzing system is an advanced label-free technology using a cell-based multi-sensor array, which is commercially available. Data on metabolism, respiration, adhesion, cell proliferation and cell death rates, as well as ligand-receptor interactions (multi-parametric) can be acquired and statistically evaluated. Noteworthy is the possibility of analyzing later after effects and/or recovery after drug treatment.

A new method to assess drug sensitivity on breast tumor acute slices preparation.

A method for assessing tumor drug sensitivity is described that is based on preparation of tissue slices and use of silicon chips equipped with electrochemical sensors (multisensor array). The tumor slices (200-300 microM thick) are prepared after surgery and incubated in a medium for recovery after slicing. The advantage, compared to other preparations, is that the original three-dimensional structure is retained.

Application of silicon sensor technologies to tumor tissue in vitro: detection of metabolic correlates of chemosensitivity.

Silicon sensor technologies, developed during the 1990s, allow measurement of extracellular chemical changes related to cell metabolism. Exposition of tumor cells in vitro to anticancer drugs modifies cell metabolism, making it possible to detect on-line with sensor chips patterns of metabolic activity, which depend on drug sensitivity, or drug resistance of the cells. Sensor devices are composed of an incubation chamber with a sensor chip and a fluidic system for medium supply.