Monitoring of human chemiluminescent reporter cell lines expressing G-protein-coupled receptors in a microfluidic system

A microfluidic system for monitoring genetically modified HeLa cells immobilized on silicon microchips is presented. Stimulation of cell surface receptors results in an increase of luciferase expression in the reporter cells. The enzyme activity is assayed in the microfluidic system by injection of luciferin and ATP. The following chemiluminescent reaction is monitored using a photomultiplier tube, mounted right above the microchip with immobilized HeLa cells.