Paper-based cell impedance sensor and its application for cytotoxic evaluation

Disposable analytical devices for developing sensitive and label-free monitoring of cancerous cells would be attractive for cancer research. Here, paper-based electroanalytical devices based on impedance spectrometry were applied for the study of K562 cells and the toxic effect of anticancer drugs. The proposed device integrating gold nanorods modified ITO electrodes could provide a biocompatible surface for immobilization of living cells maintaining their bioactivity. The impedance results exhibited good correlation to the logarithmic value of cell numbers ranging from 7.5 × 10² to 3.9 × 10⁶ cells mL⁻¹ with a detection limit of 500 cells mL⁻¹. Furthermore, this strategy was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of arsenic trioxide and cyclophosphamide. Results obtained by the impedimetric method correlate well with the conventional cell viability assay. Cells exposed to drugs exhibited a prominent reduction of impedance data, showing an inverse dose-dependent relationship. This simple, cost-effective and portable paper-based electrochemical analytical device could provide a new impedance platform for applications in monitoring cell behavior, pharmacological studies and toxicological analyses. (paper)