Real-time cell electrophysiology using a multi-channel dielectrophoretic-dot microelectrode array

Dielectrophoresis (DEP) has been used for many years for the analysis of the electrophysiological properties of cells. However, such analyses have in the past been time-consuming, such that it can take 30 min or more to collect sufficient data to make valid interpretations from a single DEP spectrum. This has limited the application of the technology to a rapid tool for non-invasive, label-free research in areas from drug discovery to diagnostics. In this paper we present the development of a programmable, multi-channel DEP system for rapid biophysical assessment of populations of biological cells. A new assay format has been developed for continuous near-real-time monitoring, using simultaneous application of up to eight alternating current electrical signals to independently addressable dot microelectrodes in an array format, allowing a DEP spectrum to be measured in 20?s, with a total cycle time between measurements of 90?s. To demonstrate the system, human leukaemic K562 cells were monitored after exposure to staurosporine and valinomycin. The DEP response curves showed the timing and manner in which the membrane properties changed for the actions of these two drugs at the early phase of induction. This technology shows the great potential for increasing our understanding of the role of electrophysiology in drug action, by observing the changes in electrical characteristics as they occur.     

Formation of macrocyclic oligoferrocenes: a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric study

Oligomeric ferrocenes were investigated simultaneously by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). The oligomers were obtained by the reaction of tetrahydro-4,4,8,8-tetramethyl-4,8-disila-s-indacene-3a,7a-diyldilithium (Li(2)L) with FeCl(2).1.5 THF (THF = tetrahydrofuran). Depending on the reaction conditions up to ten linear-chain and eleven cyclic ferrocene oligomers with masses between 1139 and 5071 Da could be detected unambiguously. The most abundant macrocycles contained ten and seven iron atoms when the reactions were carried out at -20 and 25 degrees C, respectively. The chains had cyclopentadienes as end groups and formally resulted from replacing one iron of a cycle by two hydrogens, which corresponds to a mass difference of 54 Da. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cancer,pre-cancer and normal oral cells distinguished by dielectrophoresis

Most oral cancers are oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) that arise from the epithelial lining of the oral mucosa. Given that the oral cavity is easily accessible, the disease lends itself to early detection; however, most oral cancers are diagnosed at a late stage, and approximately half of oral cancer sufferers do not survive beyond five years, post-diagnosis. The low survival rate has been attributed to late detection, but there is no accepted, reliable and convenient method for the detection of oral cancer and oral pre-cancer. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a label-free technique which can be used to obtain multi-parametric measurements of cell electrical properties. Parameters such as cytoplasmic conductivity and effective membrane capacitance (C _Eff) can be non-invasively determined by the technique. In this study, a novel lab-on-a-chip device was used to determine the cytoplasmic conductivity and C _Eff of primary normal oral keratinocytes, and pre-cancerous and cancerous oral keratinocyte cell lines. Our results show that the electrical properties of normal, pre-cancerous and cancerous oral keratinocytes are distinct. Furthermore, increasing C _Eff and decreasing cytoplasmic conductivity correlate with disease progression which could prove significant for diagnostic and prognostic applications. DEP has the potential to be used as a non-invasive technique to detect oral cancer and oral pre-cancer. Clinical investigation is needed to establish the reliability and temporal relationship of the correlation between oncologic disease progression and the electrical parameters identified in this study. To use this technique as an OSCC detection tool in a clinical setting, further characterisation and refinement is warranted.