R+D CSIC

Miniaturized device for electrical stimulation of cell cultures

The use of electrical stimulation in medical research is growing rapidly for its effects on cell regeneration. The CSIC, the Autonomous University of Madrid and the University of Florida have developed a miniaturised device for in vitro electrical stimulation of cells and tissues. The technology is available for further development and commercialization.

Several clinical studies have shown that electrical stimulation promotes healing and tissue regeneration in clinical studies. Also, it has been shown that application of an external electrical pulse to cell cultures can increase, decrease or block processes such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, alignment and adhesion of cells to different materials. Hence, the use of electrical stimulation in regenerative medicine research is growing rapidly.

Scientists from the CSIC, the Autonomous University of Madrid and the University of Florida have developed a device to deliver direct current (DC) electrical stimulation to cultured cells in vitro.

The device, which has been named MiDES (from 'Miniaturized in vitro Device for Electrical Stimulation'), has nanostructured electrodes that provide high charge injection capacity and safe stimulation. MiDES can provide effective and safe stimulation for biological systems.

The scientific team is currently open to discussions with industrial partners to establish a collaboration agreement through a patent licence.

The silicone cell culture chamber provides convenient postprocessing for multiple tests

Safe and effective electrical stimulation

Electrical stimulation in biological systems requires a safe potential range to prevent water molecules to split (electrolysis), and to avoid pH drop-off and chemical bioproducts that are harmful for the living cells.

Due to superior effective surface area, nanostructured coatings provide larger charge transfer in a potential window that is safe and effective for stimulating cells with no electroporation. Electroporation increases the permeability of the cell membrane, which allows easier entry of external compounds and jeopardize therefore cell viability.

MiDES has a unique universal design that matches commercial cell culture systems (for instance, Slide Chambers) and microscopy setups. MiDES has 8 individual test wells (culture area) that can be stimulated separately or simultaneously and designed to be stackable. The silicone cell culture chamber is detachable and provides convenient postprocessing for multiple tests. Also, it has a universal frame for better handling of the fragile high-quality imaging slides that fits in all microscopy set ups (standard slide size). Observation windows and glass bottom make the in-situ imaging possible.

Contact:

Marisa Carrascoso Arranz
Deputy Vice-Presidency for
Knowledge Transfer - CSIC
Tel.: 34 915681533
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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