DEVICE AND METHOD FOR THE MONITORING OF THE MOVEMENT OF CELLS

摘要

The present invention relates to a device for the monitoring of very small movements of cells, in particular when undergoing chemotaxis. The invention makes use of various ways of electrical detection, like capacitance or impedance measurements. In this way the detection of the movement of cells can be done in situ, which accelerates the chemotaxis assay and increases the accuracy of the measurements. The device according to the present invention particularly comprises a stimulant gradient chamber (1) for providing a concentration gradient of a stimulant, said stimulant gradient chamber (1) having a cell inlet (12) for the inlet of cells (C), - an electrical sensor (2) placed in a measurement area for measuring an electrical parameter which changes in response to a movement of cells (C) in the surrounding of said sensor (2) and for generating a detection signal, and a signal evaluation unit (3) for evaluating said detection signal.