Lab for Cell Culture Technology

The deployment of cell-based sensors and assays require competences and technologies in biological model systems, measurement technology and data analytics. Most of the sensors in focus of the developements utilize cell culture technologies for cultivating cells and tissue directly on physical signal transducers, thus enabling non-invasive and label-free readout methods. The interface between the cells and the sensor is especially important for the functionality of these systems, thoroughly analyzed for consequent problem-oriented customization.

For the development and deployment of cell-based sensors, the Fraunhofer EMFT site in Regensburg offers technological expertise in

• Biological model systems and their characterization
• Developement of electrochemical, piezoelectric and optical sensors for application on cells and tissue
• Compilation of biological profiles of action

• Cell lines, also genetically modified (S1) , of various species: human, cow, ape, dog, rat, hamster, mouse 
• Established cell cultivation models of various tissues: Kidney, liver, lung, Aorta/blood vessels, skin, connective tissue, large intestine, ovaries, pancreas, breast, brain
• 3D tissue models: Spheroid (hanging drop / liquid overlay)
• Cell culture techniques: Class II work benches, cryoconservation, microscopy 

• Confocal laser scanning microscope (upright) with 3 laser lines for documentation of the cell vitality (living/dead -test) as well as the cell structures/components
• Epi-fluorescence microscope (invers) with microscope camdera, additional transmitted light and phase contrast for documentation of the cell morphology, cell vitality (living/dead -test) as well as cell components
• Stereomicroscope with a microscope camera for documentation of sensor layouts/material surfaces

• Sputter Coater for metallization/sputtering of gold. Generation of simple elctrode layouts (Gold/ITO) on glas/polymeres for prototypes and small batch production
• UV-exposer unit 
• Plasmalizer for argon/air, for sterilization, surface modification and functionalization

• Plate reader for readout of fluorescence, luminescence and absorbance on multi-wave plates 
• Impedance analyzer for documentation of physiological parameters of cells (non-invasive, real-time): Adhesion and spread,  proliferation, migration/wound healing, introduction of non-membrane-permeable substances via electroporation, cell barrier/permeability, cell death/acute toxicity 
• Microgravimetry (QCM) for quantification of the cell adhesion energy (on various materials) as well as the cell stiffness (Zytomechanics) as shrinking/swelling during introduction of the substance
• Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for optical determination of the cell adhesion and cell response to external stimuli based on the dynamic mass distribution in cells 
• Microphysiometry for quantification of the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of cells (cellular respiration), and the extracellular acidification rate  (EAR)
• Multi-channel microscope (24 Wells) for documentation of cellphysiological parameters: adhesion, proliferation, migration/wound healing 
• Coupled sensor techniques (QCM + Impedancy) for multimodal cell analysis

Leverage Fraunhofer EMFT's cell culture techniques for your application needs.

Contact us to discuss how we can support your projects!