Electrical Impedance Measurements on Electropermeabilized Cells Attached to Microelectrodes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to use fast electrical impedance spectroscopy to measure the process of electroporation applied on cell monolayers growing attached to a specifically designed set of microelectrodes. The frequency response of the impedance can provide useful information about the extent of permeabilization in the cell membranes exposed to high electric fields and also the time dynamics of creation and resealing of the ”‘pores’” created. Cell line CHO-K1 was cultured as a monolayer on a microelectrode assembly fabricated on Indium Tin Oxide substrates. Additionally, propidium iodide fluorescent dye was used to asses the success of permeabilization of cells. Results show two different resealing dynamics corresponding with the presence of two different type of pores (short-lived VS long-lived pores) and how information at different frequencies is valuable to separate different effects namely pore dynamics and release of intracellular contents.