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AbstractA German laboratory with experience in nano analytics has developed a device for automated measurements of the transepithelial/-endothelial resistance (TER) and capacitance (C cl) of cell layers. It is designed for impedance spectroscopy on barrier-forming cells. The device derives the parameters related to the cell layers‘ properties and provides them as easy readout parameters. Partners (pharma, labs, universities, hospitals, SME)are sought for commercial agreements with technical assistance.DetailsEpithelial and endothelial cell layers serve as functional barriers between two fluid compartments in multicellular organisms. While performing vital activities, they also constitute severe obstacles for specific types of medical treatments, in particular for targeted drug delivery: in order to get a drug to the intended site of action it has to somehow pass through these tissue barriers. As a consequence, in the fields of fundamental research, pharmaceutical research and drug development there is great interest in understanding and controlling the barrier function of epithelial and endothelial tissue.A German laboratory developed a device that can be used to automatically measure the electric resistance TER and the electric capacitance C cl of cell layers. This allows conclusions about its permeability. In contrast to other assay techniques, electrical measurements require neither a fluorescent or radioactive marker nor any other type of physiologic modification of the cell system. Electrical measurements provide a wealth of information on the barrier properties and they can be performed without affecting the native cell culture under investigation. Various types of barrier-forming cells grown on permeable membranes of standard cell culture inserts can be automatically analyzed. The device offered is fully compatible with a broad range of inserts from different manufacturers and can be loaded with a maximum of 24 inserts simultaneously. Three adaptations are available which are optimized for use with small (“24-well” type), mid-sized (“12-well” type) or large (“6-well” type) inserts, respectively. Innovative Aspects: - The measurements are automated and there is no need for manual intervention in recording data; - Results are provided as easy to read parameters; - No fluorescent or radioactive marker is needed for electrical measurements; - The testing device requires no physiological modification of the cell layer and leaves the native cell culture under investigation unaffected.
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