Mouse leukemia L1210, a well established tumor model, can be immobilized near the surface of a dissolved O(2) probe and its O(2) uptake can be monitored continuously following the addition of various chemicals such as Mechlorethamine HCl, an antitumor agent. The output current of the O(2) electrode changed as a function of time under various experimental conditions. The dynamic response of the electrochemical sensor was determined as a function of antitumor agent concentration. A preliminary kinetic model was developed to describe the biosensor behavior.

Biosensors based on immobilized microbial cells were developed for drug screening in our laboratory. Compared with the conventional methods such as diffusion and dilution tests, biosensors have been demonstrated to be superior in sensitivity and require much shorter screening time. An integrated microcomputer system has been developed for data acquisition, database management, and mode of action estimation, which automates the screening processes and reduces the labor requirements significantly.

Biosensors with animal and microbial cells immobilized close to the tip of a membrane electrode have been developed for chemical and drug testing. Our experimental results show that biosensors can be used for drug screening and to provide useful information about various cell-chemical interactions. A computer aided analysis (CAA) software package is being developed here using the biosensor for various screening purposes. This software package enables us to use a computer to analyze the biosensor dynamic responses. Computer simulation and parameter estimation techniques are used to select the best model and to describe the biochemical and pharmacologic effects of various chemicals and drugs on different cell lines.