RF sensor dedicated to the dielectric characterization of spheroids between 500 MHz and 20 GHz

To achieve better accuracy in their investigations, biologists have recently been using three-dimensional models as intermediates between two-dimensional cell culture and the in vivo study of tissues. Some of these models are based on spheroids, which are cellular aggregates retaining many characteristics of in vivo behaviors while being still easy to use and implement in labs. To study such objects, multiple observation techniques can be used according to the objective of the study, including those using electromagnetic waves as nondestructive, noninvasive, and label-free analysis. Low-frequency (<1 MHz) ones are currently under investigation as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. However, unlike microwaves (from 300 MHz to 60 GHz), they cannot penetrate the cell. Furthermore, most of the devices dedicated to microwave dielectric characterization are only focusing on cellular scales lower than spheroids (single cell, cell mats, or suspensions) or on tissues and organs. In this article, a microwave spectroscopy device using a coplanar waveguide adapted to the study of spheroids is presented with the dielectric characterization of fixed spheroids, with capacitance and conductance measurements from 0.5 to 20 GHz, aiming at filling the scale gap in the state of the art.

Automated summary

To improve research accuracy, biologists have begun using 3D models as intermediates between 2D cell culture and in vivo tissue study. These models include spheroids, which retain in vivo characteristics while being easy to use. Various nondestructive techniques, such as electromagnetic wave analysis, are used to study these objects. However, low-frequency waves cannot penetrate cells and most microwave devices only focus on smaller scales or larger tissues. This article presents a microwave spectroscopy device that fills the scale gap by characterizing fixed spheroids' dielectric properties.