6137.2:
Molecular surface engineering of a bio-electrochemical interface for applications in cell-based drug discovery and proteomics
Abstract
The objective is to develop a novel bio-electrochemical cell-based device which monitors changes in the extracellular levels/concentrations of physiologically relevant ions (e.g. H+, Ca2+, Na+, K+, Cl-) upon cellular activation, comprising ion-sensitive molecular sensors that should be in intimate contact with living cells. This will enable online but non-invasive monitoring of cellular activity. This technology is based on the design and engineering of monomolecular layers in the nanometer range, and to our knowledge such a hybrid device as envisaged in this proposal has not been reported before. The final goal is to incorporate this technology into a microtiter plate, currently under development by the industrial partner, as part of an integrated system intended for cell-based assays in drug discovery and proteomics.