Real‐Time Monitoring of Cellular Barrier Functionality with Dynamic‐Mode Current‐Driven Organic Electrochemical Transistor

Abstract

AbstractCellular barriers control fundamental physiological functions in animals and plants. Accurate detection of barrier dysfunction requires real‐time monitoring. Organic electrochemical transistors are a promising bioelectronic platform to monitoring cellular barriers. However, current approaches are not ideally suited for direct and real‐time measurements: they require off‐line model‐based data analysis or slow measurement operation to achieve equilibrium conditions. Herein, dynamic‐mode current‐driven organic electrochemical transistors are proposed for direct real‐time monitoring of cellular barrier functionality. In contrast to current approaches, the organic electrochemical transistor is operated under nonequilibrium conditions. The approach shows a sensitivity larger than 350 × 10−6 V (Ω cm2)−1 with an operating range of 13–640 Ω cm2. The sensitivity can be optimized on‐line by simply changing the dynamic conditions and real‐time monitoring of reversible barrier functionality is demonstrated by using a tight‐junction modulator with a concentration as‐low‐as 122 × 10−6 m. The theoretical foundation of the method is provided. The analysis shows the general applicability of the approach, opening opportunities for precision in vitro bioelectronics and medical diagnostic.