Method for continuous electrochemical measurement of t-PMETs
The plasma membranes of animal cells are involved in organic redox reactions that lead to the reduction of extracellular compounds. These transfers are known as trans-Plasma Membrane Electron Transfer (t-PMET).
These reactions are a sign of a viable cell and are usually assessed using a spectrophotometric assay. During a conventional spectrophotometric assay, the concentration of an oxidised redox mediator accumulates within the solution and tends to progressively inhibit metabolic activity.
Competitive advantages
- Continuous measurement over long periods (several hours)
Application
- Measuring cell viability
Intellectual property
- Patent
Development stage
Validation of the technology in a real environment
Laboratory
Laboratoire de Génie Chimique (LGC) INPT ENSIACET
Description
The technology consists of a method for the continuous electrochemical measurement of t-PMET using an electrode.
This is a research tool for measuring the viability of cells in a culture medium.
The cells reduce a redox mediator and the concentration of the reduced form is measured electrochemically. This system would replace all measurements currently based on monitoring t-PMET by spectrophotometric assay. Unlike spectrophotometric methods, electrochemical assays reduce the oxidised redox mediator and therefore continuously regenerate its reduced form.
Technical specifications
The measurement can be continued over long periods:
- the concentration of the redox mediator is no longer a limit,
- the inhibition effect due to the accumulation of the oxidised form of the mediator is lifted.
- the tests were carried out using commercial electrodes, such as the carbon DropSens (DRP 110, Metrohm-DropSens).
- The working electrode is a 4 mm diameter disc surrounded by the auxiliary electrode and the silver pseudo-reference, all screen printed onto strips of paper