Multiparametric MEMS biosensor for cell culture monitoring

A novel micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) multiparametric biosensor system based on living cells is presented. The biosensor system includes two biosensing techniques; resonant frequency measurements and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) on a single device. The multiparametric sensor system integrates uses the upper electrode of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) resonator and as working microelectrode for ECIS technique. The QCM consists of a thin AT-cut quartz substrate with two gold electrodes on opposite sides. Bovine aortic endothelial live cells (BAECs) were successfully cultured on this hybrid biosensor. The QCM upper gold electrode used for generating the acoustic wave is also used for ECIS measurements of the live cells. Gravimetric and impedimetric measurements were performed over a period of time on the same cell culture to validate the device's sensitivity. The time necessary for the cells to attach and form a compact monolayer is the same in the case of gravimetric and impedimetric measurements. This hybrid biosensor will be employed in the future for water toxicity detection.