Electrochemical microwell sensor with Fe-N co-doped carbon catalyst to monitor nitric oxide release from endothelial cell spheroids

Endothelial cells have been widely used for vascular biology studies; recent progress in tissue engineering have offered three-dimensional (3D) culture systems for vascular endothelial cells which can be considered as physiologically relevant models. To facilitate the studies, we developed an electrochemical device to detect nitric oxide (NO), a key molecule in the vasculature, for the evaluation of 3D cultured endothelial cells. Using an NO-sensitive catalyst composed of Fe-N co-doped reduced graphene oxide, the real-time monitoring of NO release from the endothelial cell spheroids was demonstrated.

Automated summary

Endothelial cells are commonly used for vascular biology studies. Recent advancements in tissue engineering have enabled the development of three-dimensional culture systems for vascular endothelial cells, which can serve as physiologically relevant models. To facilitate research, an electrochemical device has been developed for detecting nitric oxide (NO), a crucial molecule in the vasculature, to evaluate endothelial cells cultured in a 3D environment.