Application of direct current electric fields to cells and tissues in vitro and modulation of wound electric field in vivo

Abstract

It has long been known that cells can be induced to migrate by the application of small d.c. electric fields (EFs), a phenomenon referred to as galvanotaxis. We recently reported some significant effects of electric signals of physiological strength in guiding cell migration and wound healing. We present here protocols to apply an EF to cells or tissues cultured in an electrotactic chamber. The chamber can be built to allow controlled medium flow to prevent the potential development of chemical gradients generated by the EFs. It can accommodate cells on planar culture or tissues in 3D gels. Mounted on an inverted microscope, this setup allows close and well-controlled observation of cellular responses to electric signals. As similar EFs are widely present during development and wound healing, this experimental system can be used to simulate and study cellular and molecular responses to electric signals in these events.

Impedance sensing device enables early detection of pressure ulcers in vivo

“…With a slight change in instrumentation, the same device can also be used to measure voltage at each electrode with respect to a common reference, creating a map of the voltage and endogenous electric field across the wound. It is well known that cells can be directed to migrate with an applied electric field [32][33][34][35][36] , and there is evidence, although somewhat controversial, that applying an electric field may assist in the healing process 37 . The device demonstrated here provides the capability to test the extension of these theories from cells to complex tissues in vivo.…”

Electrotaxis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in a multiple-electric-field chip with uniform flow field

“…Therefore we are interested in the electrotactic response of cancer cells. 18,[30][31][32] Conventional methods to investigate electrotaxis using a dish-based device [33][34][35] or a transwell assay 36 have been reported in detail. However, conventional methods have drawbacks including low experimental throughput, lack of miniaturization, complex assembly, risk of contamination, and medium evaporation.…”

Modulating chemotaxis of lung cancer cells by using electric fields in a microfluidic device

“…In addition, physical parameters, such as mechanical loads, matrix stiffness, and electric fields, can also influence or mediate the migration of various types of cells. [5][6][7][8][9] To understand the interplay between the chemotaxis and physical property-induced cell migration is thus highly desirable in the studies on cancer metastasis.…”