The accurate equivalent circuit model
contributes to the better
fitting of required cell characteristics, such as cell impedance,
cell adhesion area, and cell–electrode distance. However, so
many theoretical models on specific modules make it difficult for
new researchers to understand the whole model of electrode system
physically. Besides, the accurate theoretical model and the simplified
calculations obviously contradict each other; therefore, it is confusing
for many researchers to choose the proper theoretical model to calculate
the specific parameters required. In this review, we first discuss
the problems and suggestions of electrode system design for cell adhesion-based
measurement in terms of parasitic capacitance, detection range of
cell number, electric field distribution, and interelectrode distance.
The design of electrode system for cell nonadhesion measurement was
analyzed in terms of microchannel size and electrode position. Then,
we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various equivalent
circuit models according to different requirements of researchers,
and simultaneously provide a corresponding theoretical model for researchers.
Various factors influencing electric impedance spectroscopy (EIS)
such as the parasitic capacitance between microelectrodes, the changes
of cell adhesion area and cell–electrode distance, the electrode
geometry, and the surface conductivity of electrode were quantitatively
analyzed to contribute to better understanding of the equivalent models.
Finally, we gave advice to optimize the theoretical models further
and perspectives on building uniform principles of theoretical model
optimization in the future.