Cell-Based Sensing

Background

We are conducting research to develop an understanding of the opportunities and constraints of cell-based sensor systems. This work is done in collaboration with Pamela Abshire and Ben Shapiro. We have two long-term goals for this research.

1. Use cells as sensors to transduce stimuli into externally-readable outputs.
   – exploit biological specificity and sensitivity
2. Develop technology to study cellular events and processes at the level of single cells or small groups of cells.
   – allow new scientific studies

The system hardware concept is shown here. It consists of microfabricated structures on CMOS sensors and circuitry to allow in situ, real-time sensing, and highly parallel, automated measurements. CMOS technology allows one to realize high density, high-performance arrays for detection combined with sophisticated on-chip signal processing. Vials on the surface of the CMOS chip will enclose different cell types positioned above sensor array. The vials may require lids that open and close, depending on the type of cell and the type of measurement; these lids would be actuated by PPy microactuators. link to polymer microactuators main page The chip is packaged to expose the center 1 mm2 to the cells and cell medium, but insulate the bond wires that connect the chip to the outside world.

The integrated system comprises:

• electrical and optical sensors
• circuitry for signal processing and control of temperature, lid position
• technology for loading a desired number and type of cell into a particular vial
• microfluidics for introducing nutrients and taking away waste, and for sensing applications, introducing stimulants
• packaging

For further information, see:

• N. Reeves, Y. Liu, N. M. Nelson, S. Malhotra, M. Loganathan, J.-M. Lauenstein, J. Chaiyupatumpa, E. Smela, and P. Abshire, "Integrated MEMS structures and CMOS circuitry for bioelectronic interface with single cells," IEEE Int. Symp. Circuits and Systems (ISCAS04), Vancouver, BC, Canada, vol. 3, p. 673-676 (May 23-26, 2004).
• P. Abshire, J.-M. Lauenstein, Y. Liu, and E. Smela, "Cell clinics for bioelectronic interface with single cells," IEEE Int. Symp. Circuits and Systems (ISCAS03), Bangkok, Thailand (May 25-28, 2003).
• M. Urdaneta, Y. Liu, M. Christophersen, S. Prakash, P. Abshire, and E. Smela, "Integrating conjugated polymer microactuators with CMOS sensing circuitry for studying living cells," SPIE's 12th Annual Int'l. Symp. Smart Structures and Materials, EAPAD, San Diego, CA, vol. 5759, edited by Y. Bar-Cohen, p. 232-240 (March 7-10, 2005).
• S. B. Prakash, N. M. Nelson, A. M. Haas, V. Jeng, P. Abshire, M. Urdaneta, and E. Smela, "Biolabs-on-a-chip: monitoring cells using CMOS biosensors," Proc. IEEE/NLM Life Science Systems & Applications Workshop, Bethesda, MD (July 13-14, 2006).
• M. Urdaneta, M. Christophersen, E. Smela, S. B. Prakash, N. Nelson, A. M. Haas, V. Jeng, and P. Abshire, "Cell clinics technology platform for cell sensing," IEEE/NLM Life Science Systems & Applications Workshop, Bethesda, MD (July 13-14, 2006).
• E. Smela, M. Christophersen, S. B. Prakash, M. Urdaneta, M. Dandin, and P. Abshire, "Integrated cell-based sensors and cell clinics utilizing conjugated polymer actuators," SPIE 14th Annual Int'l. Symposium on Smart Structures and Materials, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD), San Diego, CA, (SPIE), vol. 6524, edited by Y. Bar-Cohen, p. 0G 1-10 (2007).