ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSING

摘要

An electrochemical sensor and method for using such a sensor to monitor signals generated by biological cells. The sensor comprises a first well for receiving a culture medium including biological cells, the first well including a working electrode a portion of which is exposed to any liquid introduced into the well. The exposed surface is capable of supporting a layer of biological cells. An adjacent second well receives an in situ reference electrode or can receive an inserted electrode, the two wells being separated by a wall. The wall is arranged such that, if the first well is filled with an electrochemically conductive culture medium to a first level sufficient to immerse the working electrode, and the second well is filled with an electrochemically conductive culture medium to a second level, electrochemical continuity is established between the liquids within the wells. The electrochemical activity of cells forming a confluent layer on the working electrode can be determined by monitoring signals developed between the working and reference electrodes. Electrochemical continuity between the working two cells can be achieved in various ways, for example by forming an opening in the wall, e.g. a notch in an upper edge of the wall, or positioning an ion permeable material between the wells. A common reference electrode can be provided in a single second well or extending beneath a series of second wells.