Electrochemical Instrumentation for Real-Time Monitoring of Biological Model Systems

Abstract

New technologies for model biological systems aid in drug development and toxicology by providing an in vitro environment that closely mimics in vivo conditions but require new instrumentation to meet needs in monitoring and analysis. Techniques adapted from the existing Multianalyte Microphysiometer, an instrument used for the quantitative analysis of cell metabolism, were applied in the optimization of a screen-printed platinum electrode platform capable of monitoring levels of glucose, lactate, oxygen, and solution acidification in complex mixtures such as cell medium for integration into biological model systems. Various modifications including enzyme and metal films provide sensitivity and selectivity to the electrodes. Improvements were made in the function of the screen-printed electrode platform and preliminary steps in the integration of the electrodes with a hollow-fiber bioreactor intended to simulate the environment of the blood-brain barrier were performed. Challenges in the interfacing of biological model systems with fundamentally unsterile instruments are identified and addressed.