Electrochemical manipulation of the insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells directly cultured on a PEDOT:PSS electrode

The development of cell-based devices using mammalian cells is becoming increasingly feasible. To remotely control such sophisticated devices, an interface between digital computer/internet networks and cellular/organ networks is essential. This study explores the electrochemical manipulation of insulin secretion—a regulatory hormone for the control of blood sugar levels—using pancreatic β cells as a model. iGL cells, expressing insulin fused with Gaussia Luciferase (INS-GLase), were directly cultured on a custom-made cell culture device coated with a transparent poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) electrode. Luminescence imaging was employed to evaluate insulin secretion in response to applied potentials. Results showed that insulin secretion could be induced by regulating membrane potential through an applied potential. The addition of nicardipine, an L-type voltage-dependent Ca²⁺ channel inhibitor, suppressed insulin secretion, suggesting the involvement of Ca²⁺ channels in this electrochemical system. Additionally, changes in membrane potential were directly visualized with the membrane potential-sensitive dye FluoVolt™, which confirmed both the forced depolarization and the forced restoration of the membrane potential to its non-excited state upon potential application to the electrode. The reported electrochemical technique, in which cells are directly cultured on an electrode, offers significant promise for designing advanced bio-hybrid systems that integrate cellular functions with digital networks.