Microchip-based systems for immobilizing cells and monitoring the release of neurotransmitters

ANYL 256

R. Scott Martin, martinrs@slu.edu, Department of Chemistry, Saint Louis University, 3501 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, MO 63103
The use of microchip technology to perform on-chip cell culture is a rapidly emerging area. To investigate the mechanisms of neuronal degeneration and the exact role nitric oxide plays in this process, it is highly desirable to develop a device that combines a model of dopaminergic cells with an analysis system to monitor the cell's exocytotic activity. To that end, we will describe the use of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) –based microvalves to couple an immobilized cell reactor of PC 12 cells to an electrophoresis-based analysis system. This system employs amperometric detection to monitor the release of dopamine and norepinephrine released from the PC 12 cells. The ability to couple the PC 12 cell reactor to an analysis system with minimal dead volume on a planar substrate leads to a true micro-total analysis system that can be used to study the role of nitric oxide in the onset of Parkinson's disease.