In vitro electrochemical assays for vascular cells and organs

Abstract

Abstract Vascular form vascular organs and the walls of blood vessels play a crucial role in transporting nutritive compounds and drugs. Vascular cells also release factors required to maintain the homeostasis of the organs. Since cancer cells travel from tumors to secondary sites during metastasis through the vasculature, it is important to investigate the interactions of vascular and cancer cells. In vitro vascular models, including endothelial cell monolayers, tubular structures in three‐dimensional culture scaffolds, and microfluidic cultures, have been developed to facilitate research on drug discovery and in‐depth disease mechanisms. In addition to the common optical methods proposed for the evaluation of these models, electrochemical assays have been applied for evaluating cell activities and drug effects owing to their numerous advantages such as low invasion, real‐time detection, or high sensitivity and selectivity. The present review focuses on electrochemical assays related to vascular model structure and function. First, we summarize strategies for the electrochemical detection of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species; assessment of endothelial cell barrier integrity using transepithelial electrical resistance measurements; endothelial permeability measurement using electrochemical tracers; evaluation of respiration activity, topography, and mRNA expression via electrochemical collection. We further discuss the methods for electrochemical cell analysis in detail, along with the variety of electrochemical systems available for these purposes, including microfluidic devices and electrochemical scanning probe microscopes. Finally, we conclude our review and propose perspectives for research that are likely to become relevant in the field.

Keywords

• electrochemical analysis
• electrochemical devices
• in vitro assays
• vascular cells/organs