Micro-biosensor immobilized cells

In this chapter we introduce various techniques for fabricating miniature cell culture devices and cell-based biosensors, provide examples of human and animal cells immobilized on the chip devices, and explain different approaches to pattern multiple types of cells on one device. The application of nano and micro techniques in precise control over the cellular microenvironment is discussed. Selective cell-based biosensors are described later in the chapter. Finally, we conclude that these novel cell culture systems, coupled with predictions from in silico mathematical modeling, can potentially improve predictions of human clinical responses and enable better understanding of toxicological mechanisms. 

For these experiments, in order to protect the cells from environmental shear stress, an 5 p.m thin membrane made of alginate and poly-L-lysine was created around the immobilized micro-carrier [31]. The movement of microcapsules with immobilized chromatophores was observed microscopically in a glass microtube (d = 700 pm 1 = 5 cm) with the magnetic field conduit embedded in the wall. The experimental setup is presented in Figure 32.4. Fluid (L-15 medium) velocities applied were in the range from 1.6 to 6.4mm/s and corresponded to the predicted operational fluid velocities of the biosensor [11]. Fluid flow was provided by microsyringe pump (LabTronix, USA). 

Microfabricated IME-based impedimetric biosensors are ready to be integrated with micro- and nanofluidic systems. Many of the operations (surface modification, derivatization, bioimmobilization, incubation, washing, etc.) needed to achieve reproducible, high-density covalent immobilization of biomolecules or whole cells... 

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