Combined impedance spectroscopy and Fourier domain optical coherence tomography to monitor cells in three-dimensional structures.

OBJECTIVES: To assess non-invasively and in real time the three- dimensional organization of cells within porous matrices by combining Fourier Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (FDOCT) and Impedance Spectroscopy (IS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Broadband interferences resulting from the recombination of in-depth light scattering events within the sample and light from a reference arm are measured as a modulation of the spectrum generated by a superluminescent laser diode (lambdao = 930nm, FWHM 90nm). Fourier transform allows in-depth localization of the scatterers, and the 3D microstructure of the sample is reconstructed by raster scanning. Simultaneously impedance spectroscopy is performed with a dielectric probe connected to an impedance analyzer to gather additional cellular information, and synchronized with FDOCT measurements.

RESULTS: A combined IS-FDOCT system allowing an axial resolution of 5 micrometer in tissues and impedance measurements over the range 20MHz-1GHz has been developed. Alginate matrices have been characterized in terms of microstructure and impedance. Matrices seeded with adipose-derived stem cells have been monitored without the use of labeling agent.

CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a multimodality system that will be instrumental to non-invasively monitor changes in total cell volume fraction and infer cell-specific dielectric properties in 3D structure.