A cell impedance sensor chip for cancer cells detection with single cell resolution

In this study, we present a new cell-based impedance sensor chip with integrated microfluidics for cancer cells detection with single cell resolution. To overcome the limitation of cell resolution posed by conventional approaches, a simple but effective cell-trapping method was proposed to position single cells on top of microelectrodes for sequential measurement. Impedance spectra change induced by single cells on microelectrode arrays was successfully recorded and modeled by using an electrical equivalent circuit. The preliminary measurement reveals a high sensitivity of sensor demonstrated by monitoring single cancer cells adhered on microelectrodes with different surface properties. The impedance magnitudes were also recorded to monitor the activities of single cell on microelectrode in real time. The proposed sensor chip has the potential for further detection and quantification of cancer cells from various tumor stages.