Two-dimensional sensor having photoconductive layer for measuring cell activity

摘要

A two-dimensional sensor (1) includes a photoconductive layer whose conductivity increases at a light-irradiated spot, an insulating layer formed on the front surface of the photoconductive layer, an effect electrode formed on the back surface of the photoconductive layer, and a fence as a cell holder attached to the surface of the insulating layer for containing a cell (2), culture medium and a reference electrode RE. The sensor (1) is placed in an incubator and a bias voltage (8a) is applied between the effect and reference electrodes. When a laser beam irradiates a spot of the back surface of the sensor, a signal is obtained from the effect electrode. This signal corresponds to a potential alteration due to the cell activity substantially at the laser-irradiated spot. The signal is processed in a computer. The beam spot size and location, corresponding to the size and the location of the measurement electrode, can be changed or adjusted easily by focusing or moving the laser beam.