Impedance Spectroscopy: A Powerful Tool for Rapid Biomolecular Screening and Cell Culture Monitoring

Abstract

Dielectric spectroscopy or Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is traditionally used in corrosion monitoring, coatings evaluation, batteries, and electrodeposition and semiconductor characterization. However, in recent years, it is gaining widespread application in biotechnology, tissue engineering, and characterization of biological cells, disease diagnosis and cell culture monitoring. This article discusses the principles and implementation of dielectric spectroscopy in these bioanalytical applications. It provides examples of EIS as label-free, mediator-free strategies for rapid screening of biocompatible surfaces, monitoring pathogenic bacteria, as well as the analysis of heterogeneous systems, especially biological cells and tissues. Descriptions are given of the application of nanoparticles to improve the analytical sensitivities in EIS. Specific examples are given of the detection of base pair mismatches in the DNA sequence of Hepatitis B disease, TaySachs disease and Microcystis spp. Others include the EIS detection of viable pathogenic bacteria and the influence of nanomaterials in enhancing biosensor performance. Expanding applications in tissue engineering such as adsorption of proteins onto thiolated hexa(-ethylene glycol)-terminated (EG6) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) are discussed.

Reduced graphene oxide–titania based platform for label-free biosensor

“…This may perhaps be assigned to the antibody-antigen (Ab-Ag) interaction leading to a change in the dielectric/blocking properties of the electrolyteelectrode interface. 49,50 The capacitance value between the RGOant-TiO 2 based immunoelectrode and the electrolyte is 33 0 A d , where 3 0 (F m À1 ) is the permittivity of free space, 3 is the relative dielectric constant, A (m 2 ) is the surface area and d (m) is the distance. The decrease of the measured capacitance due to the increase of the distance between the electrode and electrolyte is thus expected, due to the interaction of Vc with the Ab-Vc.…”

Label‐Free Impedance Biosensors: Opportunities and Challenges

“…Here we focus on detection of DNA and proteins. Among impedance sensor applications not discussed here are small molecule sensors (e.g., [21][22][23][24]), cell-based biosensors (e.g., [25][26][27][28]), and lipid bilayer sensors (e.g., [29,30]). …”

Impedance of tissue-mimicking phantom material under compression

“…From the analysis of single cells (1) and cultures (2) to tissues (3) and organs (4) to whole bodies (5) and across populations (6), bioelectrical impedance has proven its value in quantifying physiology time and again. While the spatial scale of the samples ranges from cell membranes to human populations, the temporal range is not nearly as robust.…”