Dielectric spectroscopy of mammalian cells

Abstract
Low-frequency dielectric spectroscopy has been usedin situ, i.e. while the cells are still attached to their microsupport, to monitor the changes of biomass accompanying the growth of anchorage-dependent cells. This method, when compared to Aperture Impedance Pulse Spectroscopy (also called electronic sizing), is characterized by a somewhat lower degree of resolution. Suggestions are made on how to determine the capacitance of the spent growth medium alone, still keeping the probe inserted in the bioreactor. This will make dielectric spectroscopy the first trulyin situ, on-line, in real time, non-invasive measure of the biomass.