Organic electronic transmembrane device for hosting and monitoring 3D cell cultures

3D cell models have made strides in the past decades in response to failures of 2D cultures to translate targets during the drug discovery process. Here, we report on a novel multiwell plate bioelectronic platform, namely, the e-transmembrane, capable of supporting and monitoring complex 3D cell architectures. Scaffolds made of PEDOT:PSS [poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate] are microengineered to function as separating membranes for compartmentalized cell cultures, as well as electronic components for real-time in situ recordings of cell growth and function. Owing to the high surface area-to-volume ratio, the e-transmembrane allows generation of deep, stratified tissues within the porous bulk and cell polarization at the apico-basal domains. Impedance spectroscopy measurements carried out throughout the tissue growth identified signatures from different cellular systems and allowed extraction of critical functional parameters. This platform has the potential to become a universal tool for biologists for the next generation of high-throughput drug screening assays.

Automated summary

In this study, a novel multiwell plate bioelectronic platform, called e-transmembrane, was developed to support and monitor complex 3D cell structures. The e-transmembrane, made of PEDOT:PSS, functions as both a separating membrane for compartmentalized cell cultures and electronic components for real-time recordings. Its high surface area-to-volume ratio allows the generation of deep tissues and cell polarization. Impedance spectroscopy measurements can identify different cellular systems and extract critical functional parameters. This platform has the potential to be a universal tool for high-throughput drug screening assays.