The cytosensor microphysiometer: biological applications of silicon technology

TLDR

A silicon‑based microphysiometer detects and monitors cellular responses to chemical ligands, serving both as a detector/amplifier and a tool for studying cell function. The article reviews current experiments using the device to study seven‑transmembrane and tyrosine‑kinase receptors, highlighting its potential for screening novel receptor ligands. It measures proton excretion rates from 10⁴–10⁶ cells, using selected cells as detectors and amplifiers to analyze specific molecules and investigate cellular function and biochemistry. The microphysiometer offers significant advantages over other techniques for detecting and studying receptor ligands.

Abstract

A silicon-based device, dubbed a microphysiometer, can be used to detect and monitor the response of cells to a variety of chemical substances, especially ligands for specific plasma membrane receptors. The microphysiometer measures the rate of proton excretion from 10(4) to 10(6) cells. This article gives an overview of experiments currently being carried out with this instrument with emphasis on receptors with seven transmembrane helices and tyrosine kinase receptors. As a scientific instrument, the microphysiometer can be thought of as serving two distinct functions. In terms of detecting specific molecules, selected biological cells in this instrument serve as detectors and amplifiers. The microphysiometer can also investigate cell function and biochemistry. A major application of this instrument may prove to be screening for new receptor ligands. In this respect, the microphysiometer appears to offer significant advantages over other techniques.