Electrochemical sensor for determination of aging state at single cell level under different pressures of cell capturing

Although aging is a strong and independent predictor of cardiovascular disease, an effective method to evaluate the degree of aging has yet to be reported. Here, we present a straightforward approach to determine aging in a rapid and quantitative manner, using a microfluidic-based electrochemical sensor equipped with a flexible membrane actuator. The flexible membrane in the sensor captures single endothelial cells of various ages (3, 4, and 18 month-old) under different cell capturing pressures (250, 300, and 350 kPa). The sensing electrodes in the sensor measure electrochemical impedance spectra of each cell group in terms of resistance and reactance. An optimal condition showing significant differences in resistance and reactance between different age groups was experimentally determined at a frequency of 1 MHz and a pressure of 350 kPa (p < 0.001).