Microelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy for the Differentiation between Normal and Cancerous Human Urothelial Cell Lines: Real-Time Electrical Impedance Measurement at an Optimal Frequency

Abstract

Purpose. To distinguish between normal (SV-HUC-1) and cancerous (TCCSUP) human urothelial cell lines using microelectrical impedance spectroscopy (μEIS). Materials and Methods. Two types of μEIS devices were designed and used in combination to measure the impedance of SV-HUC-1 and TCCSUP cells flowing through the channels of the devices. The first device (μEIS-OF) was designed to determine the optimal frequency at which the impedance of two cell lines is most distinguishable. The μEIS-OF trapped the flowing cells and measured their impedance at a frequency ranging from 5 kHz to 1 MHz. The second device (μEIS-RT) was designed for real-time impedance measurement of the cells at the optimal frequency. The impedance was measured instantaneously as the cells passed the sensing electrodes of μEIS-RT. Results. The optimal frequency, which maximized the average difference of the amplitude and phase angle between the two cell lines (p < 0.001), was determined to be 119 kHz. The real-time impedance of the cell lines was measured at 119 kHz; the two cell lines differed significantly in terms of amplitude and phase angle (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The μEIS-RT can discriminate SV-HUC-1 and TCCSUP cells by measuring the impedance at the optimal frequency determined by the μEIS-OF.

Cell Electrical Impedance as a Novel Approach for Studies on Senescence Not Based on Biomarkers

“…For example, quantification of cell impedance among different breast cancer grades [11], discrimination between normal and cancer cell of the prostate [16], and discrimination between normal and cancer urothelial cell [17] by using μ EIS have been reported. However, these previous studies just focused on discrimination and comparison within cell groups without explanation of mechanistic approach.…”

Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy for Monitoring Chemoresistance of Cancer Cells

“… Schematics of ( A ) ECIS microdevice for adhered cells [ 58 ] and ( B ) EIS (left) and IFC (right) [ 59 ] microdevices for cell suspensions used in impedimetric measurements. Micrographs of planar electrodes for both ( C ) ECIS and ( D ) IFC microdevices [ 59 ].…”

“…Microdevice schematics of (E) IFC system with a microchannel constriction [48] and (F) EIS with cell trapping [51] for single cell impedimetric measurements. Reprinted with permission from [48,51,58,59].…”

“…Kang et al [57] distinguished between human prostate cells (RWPE-1) and human prostate cancer cells (PC-3) using EIS. The microfluidic device employed used pneumatic pressure and a tunnel [58] and (B) EIS (left) and IFC (right) [59] microdevices for cell suspensions used in impedimetric measurements. Micrographs of planar electrodes for both (C) ECIS and (D) IFC microdevices [59].…”

Accuracy of the Maxwell–Wagner and the Bruggeman–Hanai mixture models for single cell dielectric spectroscopy

“…The dielectric properties of biological cells can reveal important information about the cells. The knowledge of cell dielectric properties is useful for characterising different stages and different types of cancer cells [8][9][10], separating cancer cells from whole blood [11,12], monitoring the cell cultures health [1,13], differentiating different cell lines [2], monitoring the blood glucose level [14], and even characterising ion channels [15][16][17]. Dielectric quantities such as the membrane conductance and capacitance, as well as the cytoplasmic conductivity can be easily and quickly obtained from the impedance spectra, provided that a physical model is available [18,19].…”