Impedimetric monitoring of cell attachment on interdigitated microelectrodes

An on-line and real-time impedimetric system was developed to monitor and quantify cell attachment on interdigitated microelectrodes. Changes in admittance at frequency lower than 10 kHz were positively correlated with the extent of cell attachment (102 to 107 cells/cm2). As judged from the admittance change, the onset and the extent of cell attachment were facilitated when the electrodes were modified with RGD-C peptide, an artificial peptide with a high affinity toward cellulose surface. The system is useful in estimating seeding cell density and characterizing bio-compatible materials with suitable cell affinity.