Non-destructive Evaluation of Cellular Cultures

Nokomis proposes to develop a real-time microwave spectroscopy device to measure the health and viability of 2D and 3D cell cultures. Utilizing a combination of spectroscopic techniques, Nokomis will utilize existing knowledge of dielectric properties of cell cultures and how they relate to varied parameters of the culture to deliver an in-line, non-destructive measurement device. The proposed work will demonstrate sensitivity to the presence of chemicals and contaminants by measuring the physical properties of the cells and identifying changes due to the resulting harm done to the system. Nokomis has demonstrated expertise in trace chemical detection using the Hiawatha sensor in a microwave spectroscopy measurement device as well as identifying differences in skin health and state. The proposed effort builds on that expertise that will result in a high precision, high accuracy analytic device.The proposed effort will measure 2D and 3D cell cultures of interest through the absorption of microwave energy, and correlate these measurements with changes in the cultures themselves. The effort will provide a strong foundation for further development of a prototype device under a Phase II effort.