Marcel Dilje

Master student

Influence of biomaterials structure on the impedance spectroscopic characterization of human 3D tissue models

 

Supervisor: Prof. Aldo R. Bocaccini and Dr. Tobias Weigel (Fraunhofer Translational Center Regenerative Therapies (TLC-RT), Würzburg)

Electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a non-destructive characterization tool for skin barrier models. The method consists of sending a spectrum of currents at a fixed potential through a skin barrier adhered to a porous model substrate. The derived Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) serves as an indicator for aspects such as cellular barrier integrity, tissue maturation and barrier disruption by chemicals. A problem arises in the measured values being influenced by the substrate chosen for the model. It amplifies the electrical impedance and affects the detection of barrier disruption. While the impact is small and commonly neglected, it renders the characterization of a natural barrier impedance impossible. This project focuses on the detailed characterization of the substrate’s influence on the impedance and the development of an appropriate fitting model using software to apply to epidermal barrier models. The goal is the development of a tissue model with physiological impedance properties.