Interfacing antibody-based microarrays and digital holography enables label-free detection for loss of cell volume

BACKGROUND We introduce the combination of digital holographic microscopy (DHM) and antibody microarrays as a powerful tool to measure morphological changes in specifically antibody-captured cells. The aim of the study was to develop DHM for analysis of cell death of etoposide-treated suspension cells. RESULTS/METHODOLOGY We demonstrate that the cell number, mean area, thickness and volume were noninvasively measured by using DHM. The cell number was stable over time, but the two cell lines showed changes of cell area and cell irregularity after treatment. The cell volume in etoposide-treated cells was decreased, whereas untreated cells showed stable volume. CONCLUSION Our results provide proof of concept for using DHM combined with antibody-based microarray technology for detecting morphological changes in captured cells.