2015 April ; 20(2): 107–126 | Balaji Srinivasan, Aditya Reddy Kolli, Mandy Brigitte Esch, Hasan Erbil Abaci, Michael L. Shuler, James J. Hickman
This paper reviews the techniques for measuring transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) in in vitro barrier model systems, which are widely used to assess the integrity of tight junctions in cell culture models of endothelial and epithelial monolayers. TEER measurements are non-invasive and can be performed in real-time without damaging the cells, making them a valuable tool for evaluating drug toxicity and transport properties. The paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of different TEER measurement techniques, including Ohm's Law and impedance spectroscopy, and their applications in various in vitro models such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and pulmonary models. It also explores the use of organs-on-chips, which are microengineered devices that mimic the physiological conditions of living organs, to enhance TEER measurements and provide more realistic in vitro models. The paper highlights the importance of TEER in drug development, particularly in predicting drug permeability and transport across physiological barriers, and discusses the factors that can affect TEER measurements, such as electrode design, cell culture conditions, and microfluidic implementation.This paper reviews the techniques for measuring transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) in in vitro barrier model systems, which are widely used to assess the integrity of tight junctions in cell culture models of endothelial and epithelial monolayers. TEER measurements are non-invasive and can be performed in real-time without damaging the cells, making them a valuable tool for evaluating drug toxicity and transport properties. The paper discusses the strengths and weaknesses of different TEER measurement techniques, including Ohm's Law and impedance spectroscopy, and their applications in various in vitro models such as the blood-brain barrier (BBB), gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and pulmonary models. It also explores the use of organs-on-chips, which are microengineered devices that mimic the physiological conditions of living organs, to enhance TEER measurements and provide more realistic in vitro models. The paper highlights the importance of TEER in drug development, particularly in predicting drug permeability and transport across physiological barriers, and discusses the factors that can affect TEER measurements, such as electrode design, cell culture conditions, and microfluidic implementation.