Quantifying Single Human Cancer Cell Redox State By Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is increasingly applied to study and image live cells. Quantitative analyses of biological systems, however, still remain challenging. In the presented study, single human adenocarcinoma cervical cancer cells are electrochemically investigated by means of SECM. The target cell’s electrochemical signal is observed over time under the influence of green tea catechins (GTC), which are suggested to offer chemopreventive and therapeutic effects on cancer.¹ The electrochemical response of living target cells is measured experimentally and the cell’s heterogeneous rate constant is determined by using a numerical model, based on forced convection during high speed SECM imaging. The beneficial effect of GTC on cancer cells could be confirmed by SECM and the presented study shows an alternative approach towards unravelling the mechanisms involved during inhibition of carcinogenesis.

¹Connors, SK, Chornokur, G, Kumar NB (2012) Nutrition and Cancer, 64:4.