Micro Fluidic Biosensor System Based on Quartz Crystal Resonators for Fast Online Adherent Cell Proliferation and Stimulation Analysis

In this contribution we present a novel micro fluidic biosensor system based on quartz crystal resonators for online analysis of adherent mammalian cell monolayer during proliferation and subsequent stimulation. Focus is on regulation and signaling processes, that lead to a specific change in shear wave propagation at the cell layer -sensor interface. The biosensor system was optimized for in vitro studies in flow-through regime with fast media exchange. Electrical impedance spectroscopy is applied for sensor signal analysis. Online light microscopy enables optical monitoring of cell growth, adhesion, spreading and cellular motility. The dynamic response of proliferating MDCK-II cells during depletion of nutrients and treatment with Trypsin was analyzed as cellular benchmark system.