Characterization of tumor cells by Impedance and nanophotonics, using a prototype biochip

Due to our interest in breast cancer and the fact that no previous report of opto-electronic devices that evaluated tumor cells was found, in this project we propose to build a prototype of an optoelectronic device or “bio-nanochip” with microstructured or nanostructured electrodes by photolithography [ 3] and in an interdigitated configuration, where the cells to be evaluated will be placed. Malignant and benign mammary gland cells will be inoculated onto the device, then characterized by means of small signal impedance spectroscopy (EIS) over a wide range of frequencies. Simultaneously with the EIS characterization, the cells are stimulated with laser light to couple the energy of the photons with the optical absorption levels of the cell, thus selectively adjusting the low-signal electrical current transport. The EIS measurement combined with monochromatic photons makes it possible to differentiate the effect from normal and tumor cells on the electrical signal. The parameter to consider is the capacitance, which depends on the dielectric properties of the cell.

breast cancer lines, impedance, laser