Live Cell Analysis: When Electric Detection Interfaces Microfluidics

This literature review describes the advantages of microfluidics when combined with electric methods in live cell analysis. We focus on dielectric spectroscopy of individual cells and classify methods according to the type of information they provide on the biological material examined and how this information can be used to guide the development of biosensors. We then describe methods for the direct measurement of electrophysiological activity of single cells through either integrated lab-on-chip patch clamp devices or communicating cellular networks with multi-electrode arrays. Lastly, we present our views on how a multimodal approach addresses the need for and challenge of tracking spatial and temporal determinants of cell activity at the cellular level.