Characterization of biological cells by dielectric spectroscopy

This review describes theoretical analysis and measurement techniques for dielectric spectroscopy of biological cells in the radio frequency range. The main focus is the beta-dispersion due to interfacial polarization. The beta-dispersion has been analyzed using various electrical models proposed for cells of diverse morphology. Recent technical developments in dielectric spectroscopy allow real-time monitoring of dynamic behavior of cells under physiological conditions and characterizing single cells. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.