What are the experimental differences between impedance-based wound healing assays and the use of Culture-Inserts?

There are a few differences between the two wound healing assays. First, the impedance-based wound healing assay uses an electric signal to create the wound and to monitor its closure, replacing the traditional “scratch assay”. This electric signal is created by specialized equipment, called ECIS. In contrast, the Culture-Insert creates a cell-free area during seeding.

Second, the impedance-based assay does not require any microscopy or image analysis like the Culture-Insert labware. Instead, the wound closure can be measured sensitively in real time. Using impedance, several wounds can be automatically generated in parallel (e.g., using a µ-Plate 96 Well), making it especially interesting for high-throughput experiments. However, the impedance-based method is not suitable for some special approaches, such as judging whether cells move individually or in a collective way.

Both assays are label-free and create a precise and highly reproducible defined area. In impedance-induced wounds, dead cells, cell debris, and extracellular matrix components are present (in contrast to wound healing assays using Culture-Inserts). If you require a classic migration assay with cells growing into a cell-free space (comparable to the Culture-Insert), you can use the Electric Fence option. Here, a high current pulse is applied during cell seeding, preventing them from growing on the electrode. After switching off the electric fence, you can analyze the colonization of the electrode.

In summary, impedance-based wound healing assays complement experiments using Culture-Inserts, especially, when a high-throughput approach and a more sensitive readout with additional parameters are needed.

For further details or additional questions, you can contact the ibidi Application Specialists.

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