Real-time monitoring of adipocyte differentiation using a capacitance sensor array

Lab Chip. 2013 Sep 7;13(17):3410-6. doi: 10.1039/c3lc50453k. Epub 2013 Jul 10.

Abstract

As obesity and its associated metabolic diseases become a worldwide epidemic, the demand for novel anti-obesity agents is increasing. We report a label-free and real-time monitoring method that uses a capacitance sensor array to screen anti-obesity agents. The results for the real-time capacitance of 3T3-L1 cells treated with 12 different chemicals extracted from natural products were consistent with the biochemical indicators of adipogenesis such as the expression of perilipin, the major protein coating the surface of lipid droplets in adipocytes. The data demonstrate that a capacitance change during adipocyte differentiation is closely associated with lipid accumulation in the cells, suggesting that adipocyte differentiation can be monitored in real time. This capacitance sensor might be used for label-free and real-time monitoring of adipocyte differentiation, and may facilitate the development of high throughput screening methods for anti-obesity drugs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3-L1 Cells
  • Acetylcysteine / pharmacology
  • Adipocytes / cytology*
  • Adipocytes / drug effects
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Anti-Obesity Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Cell Differentiation* / drug effects
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / instrumentation*
  • Drug Evaluation, Preclinical / methods*
  • Electric Capacitance*
  • Electrochemistry / instrumentation*
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified / pharmacology
  • Intracellular Space / drug effects
  • Intracellular Space / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Obesity Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
  • Acetylcysteine