Live Cells

Measure live cells in real-time and label-free!

MP-SPR allows biologically relevant responses from live cells while maintaining the complexity of these living models.

Real-Time Insights into Living Models

Live cell-based assays are extremely valuable in applications ranging from drug development, regenerative medicine and point-of-care diagnostics, to biosensor development and biological research on immunity or cancer.

Since the first study published in 2013, MP-SPR technology has become a valuable tool to study living cells. MP-SPR has been able to elucidate nanoparticle uptake kinetics, drug absorption routes and GPCR activation profiles in some recent studies.

MP-SPR technology, with its unique capability to measure complete SPR curves using multiple wavelengths of light, is a breakthrough in cell studies. Its ability to provide thorough and accurate information is crucial for advancing our understanding of cellular interactions and processes.

Cells grown on sensor surfaces

Cells are grown on the sensor surface using standard cell culture protocols. Sample analytes (nanoparticles, drug compounds) are introduced in the flow. Real-time cellular responses to the analyte are assessed and cell activation or cell uptake profiles are elucidated.

This approach facilitates the study of:

  • Adsorption routes of a given pharmaceutical compound
  • Optimal nanoparticle for drug delivery
  • Half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of the sample for live cells
  • Mode of entry of nanoparticles or virus into cells

Our customers have successfully performed cell-based assays with analytes ranging from small molecular weight drug compounds, hormones and proteins, up to inorganic nanoparticles, liposomes and extracellular vesicles.

Live cells injected over sensor surfaces

Live cells are introduced in the liquid (cell medium) flowing over the sensor surface, the surface being modified with a given surface coating (e.g. lipid membrane) or surface ligand (receptor). This approach is applicable for binding/adhesion studies and provides information about:

  • Cells’ affinity to surface receptor e.g. peptide
  • Kinetic profile of cell attachment coating
  • Bound cells’ dissociation rate from surfaces
  • Surface specificity of a given cell population
  • Optimal antifouling or antimicrobial properties of a surface

MP-SPR technology has been explored with cells and bacteria using different coatings like hydroxyapatite, lipid membranes, polymers and functionalized with various ligands such as peptides, antibodies and protein complexes.

Reasons to choose MP-SPR for live cells

  • Suitable for a wide variety of live cells including HeLa, Junket, A431, E.Coli and co-culture 
  • Real-time binding/adhesion studies without labels
  • Extended dataset from cellular responses upon sample loading
  • Comprehensive selection of sensor substrates
  • Physiologically relevant conditions maintained during measurements (temperature, shear-stress)
  • Combination of MP-SPR with electrochemistry

 

Discover the world of MP-SPR

Selected Application Notes

SEE BEYOND THE SURFACE

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