This study involves the development of microprobes for characterization of immobilized cell systems. Immobilized cells are in an environment which is drastically different from that of free cells, and this is likely to change their metabolic behavior. Studies on this microenvironmental effect have been constrained by the limitations of experimental techniques in micro-scale. To fill this need, this project is developing microprobes which are capable of measuring redox potential and the concentrations of important cellular metabolites in the immediate vicinity of the immobilized cells. These new microprobes will provide new research capabilities, which will significantly expand the scope of investigation into the immobilized cell systems.
