Label-free biosensors for cell analysis

A central task of sensor technology for cell analysis is the development of physical transducers like  metal or polymer-based electrodes on which the cells attach and grow so that their response to any experimental stimulus (chemicals, drugs, microorganism) is measurable non-invasively, time-resolved and independent of any chemical labeling (label-free).

At Fraunhofer EMFT, living cells are combined with innovative sensor platforms to create whole-cell biosensors. These sensors capture cellular reactions in a contactless and label-free manner, with a temporal resolution ranging from milliseconds to days. This approach allows for the visualization of key parameters in cell physiology, including vitality, metabolism, cell movement and division, as well as changes in cell shape, volume, or membrane permeability.

The adjacent figure illustrates the range of our platforms:

• Thin film electrodes for measuring cell movement, ion transport, and changes in cell shape
• Doped polymers for metabolic analysis through oxygen consumption or extracellular acidification
• Plasmonic substrates and optical waveguides for detecting changes in cell volume and shape
• Porous electrodes for analyzing tissue permeability
• Piezo-resonators for monitoring the mechanical properties of cells

With such biotechnological hybrids, it is possible to analyze the toxicity of chemicals, the impact of new drug candidates on cells, and complex biological interactions—in real-time and with high throughput. Applications range from environmental monitoring to personalized and regenerative medicine.

At our Regensburg location, Fraunhofer EMFT offers comprehensive support—from selecting suitable detection principles and materials to integrating them into specific research environments, as well as conducting feasibility studies and data analysis.

Want to learn more about how label-free biosensors benefit your application needs?

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