In recent years, organ-on-chip and 3D tissue models have significantly increased in vitro translational investigations. Further, regularly monitor barrier efficiency across epithelial and capillary layers.

An automated TEER measurement system comes in handy here. These devices measure real-time electrical resistance across cell barriers to provide quantitative, non-invasive insights into the development of drugs.

How Does an Automated TEER Measurement System Work?

Impedance spectroscopy measures barrier integrity. Automated TEER measurement systems accomplish this. First, cells are grown on permeable membranes. Additionally, multi-well plates are used for this procedure.

The system monitors impedance and voltage drop at various frequencies. It, therefore, obtains capacitance as well as barrier resistance. Furthermore, after calibration, samples can be read in a high-throughput manner without causing cell disruption, with up to 96 wells analyzed in a matter of minutes.

This impedance-based TEER measurement system facilitates the collection of data and enhances reproducibility. Hence, innovative engineering from firms like Medelink provides researchers with efficient and scalable tools for current drug development.

Best Use Cases of Automated TEER Measurement System in Drug Discovery

The following are some of the best use cases of automated TEER measurement system in drug discovery:

·       High-throughput Screening of Compound Libraries

It enables the rapid evaluation of the impact of medication candidates on barrier integrity across hundreds of wells. It is ideal for early lead selection.

·       Intestinal Epithelial Models for Absorption Assays

It keeps track of how compounds affect the gut barrier. Also, it helps showing any possible problems with absorption or toxins.

·       Analysis of Pulmonary and Lung Toxicity

Tracks the disruption of the airway barrier caused by inhaled medications or substances. It is essential for respiratory treatments.

·       Organ-on-chip & Microfluidic Platforms

The system ensure a seamless integration of automated impedance-based systems. As a result, it enables ongoing monitoring within incubators.

·       Time‑Lapse Studies of Drug Effects

The time-lapse studies enable kinetic monitoring from the first exposure to the recovery stages. This is possible due to the non-destructive nature of the measurements.

How to Set Up Automated TEER Measurement System?

Listed below are ways to set up an automated TEER measurement system:

• Depending on the required throughput, choose a suitable culture format, such as 24 or 96-well plates.

• Before measurement, ensure complete confluence by seeding cells on permeable inserts.

• Install electrode arrays that are correctly aligned with wells.

• Specify the frequency range, intervals, and plate arrangement for the measurements.

• Use blank inserts (no cells) and fully confluent controls to calibrate the baseline.

• Start-up automatic runs by scheduling periodic readings or kinetic scans.

• Utilize integrated software to analyze data and extract trend graphs, capacitance, and resistance.

• Validate against controls, like TEER ± known barrier disruptors.

Utilizing an impedance-based TEER measurement system in the drug development process offers numerous benefits. Further, the device performs real-time, non-destructive barrier integrity tests in many models.

Thus, researchers can screen chemical libraries quickly, discover toxicity early, and expedite translational validation while eliminating manual handling and unpredictability. Therefore, leading companies like Medelink provide accurate, reliable technology that streamlines operations.