Analysis of Heat Flow for In Vitro Culture Monitored by Impedance Measurement

Abstract

The paper proposes an innovative method of using microheaters for research on cells in vitro. A method of local heating of a single culture well, compatible with an Electric Cell-substrate Impedance (ECIS) system is presented. A microheater and culture well system for cell culture was modelled. Electrical and thermal simulation of the system under operating conditions was carried out. Correct distribution of heat was observed at the site of the cell culture suspension in the medium, while not affecting the conditions in adjacent wells. As part of the experiment, a heating element of nichrome (NiCr) was created using the magnetron sputtering process. Electrical and thermal measurements of the manufactured device were carried out. It has been shown that it is possible to establish the desired temperature over the long term. In addition, the structures made were characterised by work stability, precision in maintaining the right temperature, and the possibility of being controlled with high accuracy. There is a problem with the precise and reproducible carrying out of a cell culture experiment that differs only in the process temperature. In this work, a technique for increasing the temperature locally, in a single culture well, in a medium containing eight such wells was proposed and analyzed. The use of this method will allow avoidance of the impact of potential changes in parameters other than temperature on the culture. That may occur when comparing cells grown at different temperatures by means of the ECIS (Electric Cell-substrate Impedance) method.

Keywords

• impedance
• heat transfer
• sputtering
• nickel/chromium alloy
• electrothermal analysis