Real-Time Wireless Monitoring of Cell Proliferation and Detachment Based on pH-Responsive Conductive Polymer Dots

In situ wireless monitoring for cell proliferation and detachment kinetics was conducted using pH-responsive zwitterionic polymer dots (Z-PDs), based on changes in electrochemical signals derived from Z-PD-coated substrates via the interaction of charges transferred between Z-PDs and cells. Z-PD-coated substrates were found to be a potent means to monitor and manipulate cell adhesion and detachment because of their high sensitivity over a wide range of pH conditions, and modification of the coated substrates was confirmed using a wireless system. At neutral pH, Z-PD-coated wireless sensors exhibited pi-pi stacking involving aromatic rings with hydrophobic interactions, thereby promoting cell proliferation; consequently, an increase in the measured resistance was observed. In contrast, Z-PD-coated substrates triggered by acidic and basic conditions promoted cell detachment, which induced an increase in the resistance compared with Z-PD substrates at pH 6.8, as a result of charges transferred to support Z-PD internalization through cell membranes after detachment. Therefore, as a wireless biosensor with excellent pH responsiveness that facilitates cell proliferation and detachment and whose electrochemical signals could be additionally acquired via a smartphone, Z-PD biosensors demonstrated a more favorable approach for monitoring cell-surface interactions than conventional optically based methods.

Automated summary

In situ wireless monitoring of cell proliferation and detachment kinetics was conducted using pH-responsive zwitterionic polymer dots (Z-PDs), which demonstrated high sensitivity and potent means for monitoring and manipulating cell adhesion and detachment under various pH conditions. Z-PD-coated substrates promoted cell proliferation at neutral pH through pi-pi stacking of aromatic rings, while inducing cell detachment under acidic and basic conditions, resulting in enhanced resistance. Overall, Z-PD biosensors proved to be a favorable approach for monitoring cell-surface interactions, offering excellent pH responsiveness and the ability to acquire electrochemical signals via a smartphone.