Handheld 2-channel impedimetric cell counting system with embedded real-time processing

A. Rottigni; M. Carminati; G. Ferrari; M. D. Vahey; J. Voldman; M. Sampietro

doi:10.1117/12.886709

3 May 2011 Handheld 2-channel impedimetric cell counting system with embedded real-time processing

A. Rottigni, M. Carminati, G. Ferrari, M. D. Vahey, J. Voldman, M. Sampietro

Proceedings Volume 8068, Bioelectronics, Biomedical, and Bioinspired Systems V; and Nanotechnology V; 80680S (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.886709
Event: SPIE Microtechnologies, 2011, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

Lab-on-a-chip systems have been attracting a growing attention for the perspective of miniaturization and portability of bio-chemical assays. Here we present a the design and characterization of a miniaturized, USB-powered, self-contained, 2-channel instrument for impedance sensing, suitable for label-free tracking and real-time detection of cells flowing in microfluidic channels. This original circuit features a signal generator based on a direct digital synthesizer, a transimpedance amplifier, an integrated square-wave lock-in coupled to a Σ▵ ADC converter, and a digital processing platform. Real-time automatic peak detection on two channels is implemented in a FPGA. System functionality has been tested with an electronic resistance modulator to simulate 1% impedance variation produced by cells, reaching a time resolution of 50μs (enabling a count rate of 2000 events/s) with an applied voltage as low as 200mV. Biological experiments have been carried out counting yeast cells. Statistical analysis of events is in agreement with the expected amplitude and time distributions. 2-channel yeast counting has been performed with concomitant dielectrophoretic cell separation, showing that this novel and ultra compact sensing system, thanks to the selectivity of the lock-in detector, is compatible with other AC electrical fields applied to the device.

Citation Download Citation

A. Rottigni, M. Carminati, G. Ferrari, M. D. Vahey, J. Voldman, and M. Sampietro "Handheld 2-channel impedimetric cell counting system with embedded real-time processing", Proc. SPIE 8068, Bioelectronics, Biomedical, and Bioinspired Systems V; and Nanotechnology V, 80680S (3 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.886709

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available