Upscaling Assays on 3D Cell Models
Human-derived organoids growing in a dome of basement membrane extract
96 well test plate with sensing electrodes (in cooperation with Nanion Technologies)
Optimizing measurement geometries with Finite Element Modelling
Microfluidic aqueous two-phase system for cell encapsulation (NaCS: sodium cellulose sulfate; DEX: dextrane; PEG: polyethyleneglycol; PDADMAC: poly (diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride; PBS: phosphate buffered saline)
Formation of microporous capsule shell on the surface of cell droplets arriving at a microfluidic junction
Active “guardring electrodes” adjacent to the working electrode increase the measurement sensitivity
We investigate technologies and workflows for the analysis of 3D cell models. To achieve clinical translation, the processing of small-sized patient-derived cell samples is paramount. One of the options to transform small-sized, cell samples into a screening-compatible format is the encapsulation of cells by adapting FDA-approved approaches to a microfluidic aqueous-two-phase system. As part of a “functional precision oncology” project, these cell samples would be derived from cancer patient biopsies. Practical cell assay workflows must also account for aspects such as throughput, costs and diagnostic accuracy.
In terms of assay readout, kinetic methods have the advantage of monitoring the condition of 3D cell models individually and throughout the entire growth and drug incubation period. In contrast to endpoint measurements, this allows additional longitudinal observations and advanced statistical analysis (paired-sample testing).
Apart from imaging techniques for readout, we explore electric impedance sensing for its suitability to achieve a sensor-based monitoring of 3D cell models. Multilayer printed-circuit-board technology (PCB) offers high-density integration of sensor electrode structures, industrial upscaling with low product costs and biocompatible assemblies.
Partners
TUM Hospital, Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II
Nanion Technologies (https://nanion.de)
cellasys (https://cellasys.tech)
Austrianova Singapore Pte Ltd (https://austrianova.com)
Literature and Intellectual Property
Martin Brischwein, Oliver Hayden. EP 21 743 212.9. Microwellplate for Impedance Measurements on Cell Clusters
Stefanie Kaltenecker, Muhammad Usman Akhtar, Martin Brischwein, Oliver Hayden and Ghulam Destgeer: Fabrication of Polyelectrolyte Microcapsules for Cells Encapsulation. Poster Presentation at MicroTAS 2025, Adelaide (Australia), 2.-6. November 2025
Funding
Projektträger Bayern:
EISglobe – Auf elektrische Impedanz basiertes Screening an globulären Zellmodellen.
PBN-LSM-2104-0003 (2021—2024)