Noncontact Electrical Probe for Monitoring Cellular Processes in Primary Retinal Explants

Abstract Quantitative assessment involving noncontact electrical methods without the need for microscopy can enable a remote user to monitor the cell growth and development at different stages. In this line of pursuit, the utility of ultrahigh impedance, air‐suspended capacitively coupled electric potential sensors to monitor electrically active cells is examined. Standard cell lines and chick retinal explants on a variety of optoelectronically active polymer substrates are utilized to demonstrate the utility of this sensor placed in proximity without physical contact. Burst firing in developing chick retina in the early stage when photoreceptors are not developed can be observed via the photoexcitation of optoelectronic substrates using this noncontact sensing method.