Design and development of a single cell impedance measurement method for sensing ion channel current modulations produced by acoustical waves
Abstract
Both the biological and electronic systems are principally similar in their input sensing, data processing, and output production operations. However, the core of data transmission and processing is significantly different. The former (biological) systems use the slow ion translation through insulated membranes in an analog manner. In contrast, the latter (electronic) systems use electron transmission either with wire or wirelessly at gigahertz frequencies. Such on-demand actuation of cellular regulatory elements requires an efficient electronic-to-molecular communication interface to receive the electronic inputs and convert them into proper chemical transmissions to be processed by biomolecules to carry out the desired task. Mechanomodulation is a method that uses non-invasive ultrasound waves with a high Spatio-temporal resolution that can be penetrated deep inside tissues to interact with cells. Further interest has grown recently regarding methanogenesis modulation after discovering a stretch-activated mechanotransduction mechanism that impacted ion channels. Additionally, mechanosensitive ion channels have been found in stem cells and play a vital role in their fate and differentiation. Ultrasound has been found to be an efficient activator of the Piezo1 channels in neurons. Here, we propose building and testing a multilayer system that can selectively isolate a single cell from a population of cells and measure its impedance under a broad range of frequencies under mechanical stimulation. The impedance measurements are frequency-dependent, and their characteristic dispersion to different cell parts can be used to elucidate the cell dynamics during ion channels activity, elucidating their mechanism of action. The quantified information will also facilitate the development of optimal and safe cellular level mechanical stimulation protocols to transduce the electronic information to transcriptional (genetic) activities inside the cell for therapeutic purposes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 21, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110196
Entities
People
- Alireza Abbaspourrad
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Cornell University
- United States Army