Division/Committee: [BIOT] Division of Biochemical Technology

Cellular bioelectricity occurs as a result of ion transport across cell membranes and tissues, and represents a crucial cue in guiding cellular differentiation (e.g., stem cells), mutation (e.g., cancer cells), and migration (e.g., wound healing). Electrogenic cells (neurons and cardiomyocytes) exhibit action potentials, i.e. rapid polarization and depolarization of the cellular membrane. However, all types of cells in the human body exhibit bioelectrical properties. Being able to record bioelectrical manifestations and their variations under different conditions is important for cell monitoring, drug toxicity testing, in vitro tissue models, and fundamental scientific advancement. Recently, nanotechnology methods have been used to design devices for recording electrical signals from cells and tissues with high accuracy and low invasiveness, compared with gold standard methods. This session aims at gethering the latest findings in the field of bioelectricity of living materials: from novel technologies for electrophysiological recording of cells and tissues, to standard methods applied to new discoveries.

Catherine Fromen

University of Delaware College of Engineering

Appearances