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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
The maintenance of cell volume is critical to health. Cell volume change reflects many biological and physiological processes. We have developed a lab-chip to measure cell volume change in real-time with high sensitivity and resolution, and applicable to both adherent and suspended cell populations. The volume change was detected by measuring the impedance of extra-cellular solution within a microfluidic chamber containing the cells. Using microfabrication to make precise chamber dimensions, volume change can be detected in response to an osmotic gradient <1mOsm. The sensor provides rapid screening of pharmaceutical agents affecting cell volume. We have screened for peptides that affect cell volume regulation and found one in spider venom that inhibits at ∼100pM.