Drug evaluations using a novel microphysiometer based on cell-based biosensors

This paper presents a novel microphysiometer based on cell-based biosensors for simultaneous measurements of several extracellular ion concentrations in living cells when treated with drugs. It can measure the extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) under the effects of the drug. Thus the relation between the cells’ metabolism and the activity of receptors can be explored, and the function of the drug can be analyzed. We used our system to measure the effects of some drugs on the nephridium and cardiac muscle cells of the suckling rat. As the microphysiometer works under regular cell culture conditions, cells can be repeatedly simulated with drugs to complete dose–response curve within a few hours. With the detection of a general parameter (extruded protons and ions), the system can be used to monitor the real-time process of the cells’ metabolism, observe the functional responses of different kinds of membrane-bound receptors and evaluate the drugs.