Ultra-fast cell counters based on microtubular waveguides

Sci Rep. 2017 Jan 30:7:41584. doi: 10.1038/srep41584.

Abstract

We present a radio-frequency impedance-based biosensor embedded inside a semiconductor microtube for the in-flow detection of single cells. An impedance-matched tank circuit and a tight wrapping of the electrodes around the sensing region, which creates a close, leakage current-free contact between cells and electrodes, yields a high signal-to-noise ratio. We experimentally show a twofold improved sensitivity of our three-dimensional electrode structure to conventional planar electrodes and support these findings by finite element simulations. Finally, we report on the differentiation of polystyrene beads, primary mouse T lymphocytes and Jurkat T lymphocytes using our device.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biosensing Techniques*
  • Electric Impedance*
  • Flow Cytometry* / instrumentation
  • Flow Cytometry* / methods
  • Humans
  • Models, Theoretical
  • Semiconductors*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism