Apparatus and method for detecting cellular processes using luminescence measurements

摘要

Apparatus for the detection of luminescent events at or in the direct environment of cells, cellular unions or a tissue, has a prepared surface (100) on a semiconductor carrier (1) for cellular material (6), to be coupled to it by an adhesion matrix and/or gelatin for cell cultivation or an immobilizing medium. At least one optical detector (2) is integrated into the carrier under the surface, as a photo diode to receive the luminescent signals. The carrier is a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). A shrouding (7) over the carrier forms a hollow zone (70) with an inflow opening (8) coupled to an excitation unit (21) using a chemical or biological substance to induce luminescence, and an outflow opening (9). A filter (4) is between the carrier surface and the detector. The detector is connected to an evaluation circuit (11) within a personal computer (PC).