In vitro impedance spectroscopy: A MEA-based measurement bench for myoblasts cultures monitoring

Abstract

Bioimpedance spectroscopy is a promising tool for non-invasive monitoring of tissue structure and fluids. With the objective of using it to assess muscle fatigue in vitro, we have developed a measurement bench allowing the monitoring of myoblasts cultures by bioimpedance measurements. This work presents the setup and its characterization, combining modeling and measurements. This setup relies on a microelectrodes array and a commercial impedance analyzer. Its characterization with Phosphate Buffered Saline is coherent with our simulation. The impedance increases at low frequencies after several cell cultures, due to a degradation of the microelectrode interface. Nevertheless, the measurement bench allows us to detect the presence of myoblasts covering the electrodes in a frequency range from 10 kHz to 100 kHz. The measurement bench is therefore suitable to explore the relative impedance variation as a signature of muscle fatigue.

Bioimpedance Spectroscopy Helps Monitor the Impact of Electrical Stimulation on Muscle Cells

“…As expected [29], we observe three phases in the impedance figures before cell seeding (solid lines in Fig. 6(a)): (1) a capacitive interface effect, predominant at low frequencies (100 Hz-10 kHz); (2) a resistive region related to the PBS medium conductivity between 10 kHz and 1 MHz; (3) a parasitic capacitance effect above 1 MHz.…”

“…We previously presented our bioimpedance measurement system in [29], that uses an MEA model with SiN substrate passivation and PEDOT-covered electrodes that present visible degradation after a few experiments. In this study, we used a new MEA model with SU8 passivation and Pt-Black electrodes where electrode quality was stable over time (verified with impedance characterization, data not shown).…”

“…The bioimpedance measurement setup is based on the system described in [29], with some modifications.…”

“…In [29], we presented an MEA-based setup for impedance spectroscopy of cultured muscle cells. This setup was enhanced as shown in Fig.…”

BIMMS: A versatile and portable system for biological tissue and electrode-tissue interface electrical characterization

“…This paper addresses these issues and proposes an open-source design capable of both EIS and CV measurements on implanted dispositive. Our objec- tive is to propose a measurement device capable of characterizing electrode tissues and tissue properties for the design of unconventional therapeutical interfaces [34] and in-vitro/in-vivo experiments (however non-chronic-implanted setup) aiming in investigating bioimpedance-based pathological markers [35,36].…”