Automated In Vitro Wound-Healing Assays

The ECIS wound healing assay offers an automated method for monitoring cell migration. Instead of disrupting the cell layer mechanically and following the migration of cells to "heal" the wound with a microscope, an electrical signal is employed to both wound and monitor the healing process. The electrical wounding is only directed at the small population of cells in contact with the active 250 μm diameter ECIS electrode. Once the incursion is completed, the system returns to its normal mode to follow the healthy neighboring cells as they migrate inward to replace the killed cells.