Finite element simulation of microelectrodes for bio-impedance sensor applications

Abstract

Electrical models for microelectrode-cell interfaces are essential to match electrical simulations to real bio-systems performance and correctly to decode the results obtained experimentally. The accurate performance simulation of a microelectrode sensor to changes in the cell-electrode system, such as cell growth, enables the optimum microelectrode design process. We report the use of COMSOL quasi-static mode, contrary to other DC modes frequently used, including magnetic fields to calculate the bioimpedance of the system. A fully electrode-cell model has been built, and the effect of fibroblasts of different diameters on the simulated impedance of small microelectrodes (32-μm square) has been studied, in order to validate the model and to characterize the microelectrode sensor response to changes in cell size and density.