Unique Impedametric Cell Deformability Assay Using a Multi-Constriction Microfluidic Biosensor

A unique microfluidic device consisting of a multi-constriction microfluidic channel with embedded microelectrodes analyzes bioelectrical and biomechanical attributes of single cells. The biosensor can differentiate cancer cells and their non-tumorigenic counterparts. This study reports the first analysis of mechanical and electrical properties of the normal prostate cell-line (PWR-1E) and prostate cancer cell-line (LNCaP C4-2B). Also, the system is the first that utilizes sensors for rapid measurements of cell velocities and bioimpedance as they transit through multiple iterative constrictions. Distinguishing these normal and tumorigenic prostate cells using solely biomechanical properties resulted in an identification accuracy of 85% at single cell level. The addition of bioelectrical parameters enhanced the identification power to 92% for both cell types.