Super Resolution Capacitive Sensor Array with Adaptive Fusion Pixel for Multiscale iPSC Spheroid Analysis

Abstract

This study introduces a new approach for high-resolution monitoring of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) spheroids. A 480$\times$960 CMOS super resolution capacitive sensor array (SR-CSA) with an adaptive fusion-pixel electrode cell (FPEC) is developed using a standard 0.18 $\text{\textmu m}$ CMOS process to dynamically reconfigure electrode size and arrangement based on specific sensing requirements. Inspired by optical imaging techniques, the system integrates super-resolution (SR) methods to achieve imaging equivalent to an electrode size of 3.75$\times$3.75 $\text{\textmu m}^{\text{2}}$ while retaining the sensitivity of 15$\times$15 $\text{\textmu m}^{\text{2}}$ electrodes. Experimental results with iPSC spheroids validate the system’s ability to adapt to different configurations, capturing spheroid size changes over six days and showing trends consistent with optical microscope. By combining FPEC and SR techniques, the SR-CSA delivers a scalable and adaptive solution for high-resolution capacitive sensing. These non-optical imaging arrays provides low cost, portability, and further co-integration with actuation and stimulation modalities, opening new opportunities for cell monitoring and biomedical applications.

Lin-Hung Lai

Visiting PhD @ Stanford University / CEO @ CyensTech

A Digital IC and biochip designer passionate about turning RTL-level ideas into silicon-proven innovations