Patent ID: 8722393
Filing Date: 2014-05-13
Classification: C12M,G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for monitoring cell migration, the apparatus comprising: a holding device comprising at least one well for holding a cell culture, the at least one well comprising a well substrate including at least one electrode at least partially exposed to the cell culture; a current source coupled to the at least one electrode; a controller electrically coupled to the current source and to at least one electrode and controlling application of current from the current source to the at least one electrode, the controller being configured to periodically apply, before cells can attach to the at least one electrode, and before cells can achieve confluence over other portions of the well substrate, at least one electrical pulse to the at least one electrode to prevent cells from attaching to the at least one electrode while allowing cells to attach to and achieve confluence over the other portions of the well substrate, and to discontinue the periodically applying of the at least one electrical pulse to the at least one electrode after cells have achieved confluence over the other portions of the well substrate; and a monitor for monitoring migration of cells over the at least one electrode from the other portions of the well substrate after the controller has discontinued the periodic application of the at least one electrical pulse to the at least one electrode.