The uniqueness of the system lies in the holistic approach of offering both, a digital data acquisition system with smart disposable components and an associated digital platform. Complex and costly tests are simplified, and ecological data handling is made possible.
SiMPLInext SA, together with the Swiss HealthTech Center of the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne, has developed an intelligent data acquisition module that continuously monitors TEER (Trans Epithelial Electric Resistance) of epithelial cell tissues in a user-friendly and simple way. Within the framework of a research project together with Innosuisse and the renowned Adolphe Merkle Institute of the UniFR, an evidence-based proof-of-concept could be successfully performed.
Benefit
The system enables continuous, user-independent and reproducible measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). The measurement is a standard metric in cell culture research, indicating the AC resistance of a flat cell culture at a specific measurement frequency. The TEER value is used to assess the condition of a cell culture. For example, the closedness of a cell culture can be assessed, as even small gaps in the cell culture cause a significant drop in impedance. Thus, the completion of the maturation phase of the cell culture can be determined as a quality control. Likewise, the effect of damaging influences of test substances on the cell culture can be investigated in vitro, thus avoiding animal experiments.
In addition to TEER measurement, the system uses the innovative approach of impedance spectroscopy, an investigation of the cell tissue at different measurement frequencies. This enables a deep analysis of the cell tissue, which will raise cell research to a higher level.
Our Tasks
Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne implemented the following in the project:
- Design of the digital system for the BioNano Lab of the future
- Mechanical, Electronic & Usability Engineering
- Software Engineering (front and backend)
- Graphic User Interface Design
- Design Verifications of complerte System
- Electromagnetic Field Simulations
- Cloud Solution and Data Analytics
Our Implementation Partner
SiMPLInext SA, the implementation partner, is a start-up from Biel/Bienne, which aims to develop the next generation of smart laboratory devices for the «Biolab 4.0» to enable sustainable toxicological investigations in epithelial cell research.
Our Research Partner
The Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI) is an interdisciplinary competence center for nano- and material sciences. AMI strives to be a leader in fundamental and application-oriented interdisciplinary research in the field of nanomaterial sciences.
Together with the BioNanomaterials department of the Adolphe Merkle Institute under the direction of Prof. Dr. Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser, the user need was determined, and the system was validated for its suitability with regard to epithelial cell model formation, the measurement method and usability.
Publications
Poster Presentation
- International Society for Aerosols in Medicine 23rd ISAM Congress Boise, May 2021, Online Presentation
Title: Real‐time Resistance Monitoring of Human Lung Epithelial Tissue Models for Predictive Aerosol Research
Authors: Bedia Begum Karakocak, Gowsinth Gunasingam, Silvia Angeloni, Adrian Auderset3, Alke Petri-Fink, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser
- WC11 VIRTUAL CONGRESS, August 2021, Online Presentation
Title: A novel alternative test platform for real-time monitoring of TEER values in human epithelial tissue models,
Authors: Gowsinth Gunasingam, BediaBegum Karakocak, AlkePetri-Fink, Silvia Angeloni, Adrian Auderset, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser
- SNC-July 2022 Fribourg
Title: In-depth characterization of nanometer-sized silicon nitride membranes for functional human epithelial tissue models
Authors: Sandeep Keshavan, Bedia Begum Karakocak, Gowsinth Gunasingam, Silvia Angeloni, Adrian Auderset, Alke Petri-Fink, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser
Oral Presentation
- Frimat- November, 2021- Fribourg
Title: An ultrathin ceramic membrane for functional cell culture models: SiMPLI vs. PET inserts for epithelial cell growth
Authors: Sandeep Keshavan, Bedia Begum Karakocak, Gowsinth Gunasingam, Silvia Angeloni, Adrian Auderset, Alke Petri-Fink, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser
