An arduino-based sensor to measure transendothelial electrical resistance

Abstract

Because dysfunctions of endothelial cells are involved in many pathologies, in vitro endothelial cell models for pathophysiological and pharmaceutical studies have been a valuable research tool. Although numerous microfluidic-based endothelial models have been reported, they had the cells cultured on a flat surface without considering the possible 3D structure of the native ECM. Endothelial cells rest on the basement membrane in vivo, which contains an aligned microfibrous topography. To better understand and model the cells, it is necessary to know if and how the fibrous topography can affect endothelial functions. With conventional fully integrated microfluidic apparatus, it is difficult to include additional topographies in a microchannel. Therefore, we developed a modular microfluidic system by 3D-printing and electrospinning, which enabled easy integration and switching of desired ECM topographies. Also, with standardized designs, the system allowed for high flow rates up to 4000 µL/min, which encompassed the full shear stress range for endothelial studies. We found that the aligned fibrous topography on the ECM altered arginine metabolism in endothelial cells, and thus increased nitric oxide production. There has not been an endothelial model like this, and the new knowledge generated thereby lays a groundwork for future endothelial research and modeling.

Developing and testing an Arduino-based microcurrent stimulator to mimic marine electric pollution on benthos

“…In recent years, there has been a growing trend among researchers to utilize Arduino in the construction of scientific instruments due to its precision and ease of programming [ [15] , [16] , [17] , [18] , [19] ]. Accordingly, we constructed a low-cost stimulator using the programmable Arduino Uno or Arduino Nano board, which empowers researchers to easily modify the temporal characteristics of electrical stimulation.…”

Design and Fabrication of Organ-on-Chips: Promises and Challenges

“…Trans-epithelial electrical resistance ("TEER" (TEER: transendothelial/epithelial electrical resistance which demonstrates the permeability of the cellular barriers [123])) measurements are one of the most commonly incorporated sensing systems with OOC devices [124]. TEER impedance sensors are usually transparent electrodes patterned by microfabrication techniques and embedded in chips [125].…”

Tissue Chips and Microphysiological Systems for Disease Modeling and Drug Testing

“…Several devices enable the non-destructive measurement of cellular action potentials via microelectrode arrays or nanoneedle arrays [ 183 , 184 , 185 ]. Additionally, endothelial and epithelial TCs have been fabricated with micro/nanoporous membranes coupled with electrodes to allow for non-destructive TEER measurements [ 186 , 187 ]. Micromachined electrodes have also been used to measure cellular electrical resistance and impedance, which provide information regarding cell size and intracellular complexity [ 152 , 188 ].…”