@inproceedings{JungStaat2016, author = {Jung, Alexander and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Computing olympic gold: Ski jumping as an example}, series = {1st YRA MedTech Symposium 2016 : April 8th / 2016 / University of Duisburg-Essen}, booktitle = {1st YRA MedTech Symposium 2016 : April 8th / 2016 / University of Duisburg-Essen}, editor = {Erni, Daniel}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}t Duisburg-Essen}, address = {Duisburg}, organization = {MedTech Symposium}, isbn = {978-3-940402-06-6}, doi = {10.17185/duepublico/40821}, pages = {54 -- 55}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BhattaraiStaat2016, author = {Bhattarai, Aroj and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Female pelvic floor dysfunction: progress weakening of the support system}, series = {1st YRA MedTech Symposium 2016 : April 8th / 2016 / University of Duisburg-Essen}, booktitle = {1st YRA MedTech Symposium 2016 : April 8th / 2016 / University of Duisburg-Essen}, editor = {Erni, Daniel}, publisher = {Universit{\"a}t Duisburg-Essen}, address = {Duisburg}, organization = {MedTech Symposium}, doi = {10.17185/duepublico/40821}, pages = {11 -- 12}, year = {2016}, abstract = {The structure of the female pelvic floor (PF) is an inter-related system of bony pelvis,muscles, pelvic organs, fascias, ligaments, and nerves with multiple functions. Mechanically, thepelvic organ support system are of two types: (I) supporting system of the levator ani (LA) muscle,and (II) the suspension system of the endopelvic fascia condensation [1], [2]. Significantdenervation injury to the pelvic musculature, depolimerization of the collagen fibrils of the softvaginal hammock, cervical ring and ligaments during pregnancy and vaginal delivery weakens thenormal functions of the pelvic floor. Pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, sexual dysfunction aresome of the dysfunctions which increases progressively with age and menopause due toweakened support system according to the Integral theory [3]. An improved 3D finite elementmodel of the female pelvic floor as shown in Fig. 1 is constructed that: (I) considers the realisticsupport of the organs to the pelvic side walls, (II) employs the improvement of our previous FEmodel [4], [5] along with the patient based geometries, (III) incorporates the realistic anatomy andboundary conditions of the endopelvic (pubocervical and rectovaginal) fascia, and (IV) considersvarying stiffness of the endopelvic fascia in the craniocaudal direction [3]. Several computationsare carried out on the presented computational model with healthy and damaged supportingtissues, and comparisons are made to understand the physiopathology of the female PF disorders.}, language = {en} } @article{PookhalilAmoabedinyTabeshetal.2016, author = {Pookhalil, Ali and Amoabediny, Ghassem and Tabesh, Hadi and Behbahani, Mehdi and Mottaghy, Khosrow}, title = {A new approach for semiempirical modeling of mechanical blood trauma}, series = {The international journal of artificial organs}, volume = {39}, journal = {The international journal of artificial organs}, number = {4}, publisher = {Sage}, address = {London}, issn = {1724-6040}, doi = {10.5301/ijao.5000474}, pages = {171 -- 177}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Purpose Two semi-empirical models were recently published, both making use of existing literature data, but each taking into account different physical phenomena that trigger hemolysis. In the first model, hemoglobin (Hb) release is described as a permeation procedure across the membrane, assuming a shear stress-dependent process (sublethal model). The second model only accounts for hemoglobin release that is caused by cell membrane breakdown, which occurs when red blood cells (RBC) undergo mechanically induced shearing for a period longer than the threshold time (nonuniform threshold model). In this paper, we introduce a model that considers the hemolysis generated by both these possible phenomena. Methods Since hemolysis can possibly be caused by permeation of hemoglobin through the RBC functional membrane as well as by release of hemoglobin from RBC membrane breakdown, our proposed model combines both these models. An experimental setup consisting of a Couette device was utilized for validation of our proposed model. Results A comparison is presented between the damage index (DI) predicted by the proposed model vs. the sublethal model vs. the nonthreshold model and experimental datasets. This comparison covers a wide range of shear stress for both human and porcine blood. An appropriate agreement between the measured DI and the DI predicted by the present model was obtained. Conclusions The semiempirical hemolysis model introduced in this paper aims for significantly enhanced conformity with experimental data. Two phenomenological outcomes become possible with the proposed approach: an estimation of the average time after which cell membrane breakdown occurs under the applied conditions, and a prediction of the ratio between the phenomena involved in hemolysis.}, language = {en} } @article{BreuerRaueStrobeletal.2016, author = {Breuer, Lars and Raue, Markus and Strobel, M. and Mang, Thomas and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Thoelen, R. and Wagner, Torsten}, title = {Hydrogels with incorporated graphene oxide as light-addressable actuator materials for cell culture environments in lab-on-chip systems}, series = {Physica status solidi (a)}, volume = {213}, journal = {Physica status solidi (a)}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6300}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201533056}, pages = {1520 -- 1525}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Abstractauthoren Graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles were incorporated in temperature-sensitive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogels. The nanoparticles increase the light absorption and convert light energy into heat efficiently. Thus, the hydrogels with GO can be stimulated spatially resolved by illumination as it was demonstrated by IR thermography. The temporal progression of the temperature maximum was detected for different concentrations of GO within the polymer network. Furthermore, the compatibility of PNIPAAm hydrogels with GO and cell cultures was investigated. For this purpose, culture medium was incubated with hydrogels containing GO and the viability and morphology of chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was examined after several days of culturing in presence of this medium.}, language = {en} } @article{DantismTakenagaWagneretal.2016, author = {Dantism, Shahriar and Takenaga, Shoko and Wagner, Patrick and Wagner, Torsten and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Determination of the extracellular acidification of Escherichia coli K12 with a multi-​chamber-​based LAPS system}, series = {Physica status solidi (a)}, volume = {213}, journal = {Physica status solidi (a)}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6300}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201533043}, pages = {1479 -- 1485}, year = {2016}, abstract = {On-line monitoring of the metabolic activity of microorganisms involved in intermediate stages of biogas production plays an important role to avoid undesirable "down times" during the biogas production. In order to control this process, an on-chip differential measuring system based on the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) principle combined with a 3D-printed multi-chamber structure has been realized. As a test microorganism, Escherichia coli K12 (E. coli K12) were used for cell-based measurements. Multi-chamber structures were developed to determine the metabolic activity of E. coli K12 in suspension for a different number of cells, responding to the addition of a constant or variable amount of glucose concentrations, enabling differential and simultaneous measurements.}, language = {en} } @article{WuPoghossianBronderetal.2016, author = {Wu, Chunsheng and Poghossian, Arshak and Bronder, Thomas and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Sensing of double-stranded DNA molecules by their intrinsic molecular charge using the light-addressable potentiometric sensor}, series = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, number = {229}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2016.02.004}, pages = {506 -- 512}, year = {2016}, abstract = {A multi-spot light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS), which belongs to the family of semiconductor field-effect devices, was applied for label-free detection of double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA) molecules by their intrinsic molecular charge. To reduce the distance between the DNA charge and sensor surface and thus, to enhance the electrostatic coupling between the dsDNA molecules and the LAPS, the negatively charged dsDNA molecules were electrostatically adsorbed onto the gate surface of the LAPS covered with a positively charged weak polyelectrolyte layer of PAH (poly(allylamine hydrochloride)). The surface potential changes in each spot of the LAPS, induced by the layer-by-layer adsorption of a PAH/dsDNA bilayer, were recorded by means of photocurrent-voltage and constant-photocurrent measurements. In addition, the surface morphology of the gate surface before and after consecutive electrostatic adsorption of PAH and dsDNA layers was studied by atomic force microscopy measurements. Moreover, fluorescence microscopy was used to verify the successful adsorption of dsDNA molecules onto the PAH-modified LAPS surface. A high sensor signal of 25 mV was registered after adsorption of 10 nM dsDNA molecules. The lower detection limit is down to 0.1 nM dsDNA. The obtained results demonstrate that the PAH-modified LAPS device provides a convenient and rapid platform for the direct label-free electrical detection of in-solution hybridized dsDNA molecules.}, language = {en} } @article{ArreolaMaetzkowDuranetal.2016, author = {Arreola, Julio and M{\"a}tzkow, Malte and Dur{\´a}n, Marlena Palomar and Greeff, Anton and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Optimization of the immobilization of bacterial spores on glass substrates with organosilanes}, series = {Physica status solidi (A) : Applications and materials science}, volume = {213}, journal = {Physica status solidi (A) : Applications and materials science}, number = {6}, publisher = {Wiley-VCH}, address = {Weinheim}, issn = {1862-6319}, doi = {10.1002/pssa.201532914}, pages = {1463 -- 1470}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Spores can be immobilized on biosensors to function as sensitive recognition elements. However, the immobilization can affect the sensitivity and reproducibility of the sensor signal. In this work, three different immobilization strategies with organosilanes were optimized and characterized to immobilize Bacillus atrophaeus spores on glass substrates. Five different silanization parameters were investigated: nature of the solvent, concentration of the silane, silanization time, curing process, and silanization temperature. The resulting silane layers were resistant to a buffer solution (e.g., Ringer solution) with a polysorbate (e.g., Tween®80) and sonication.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{KremersPieper2015, author = {Kremers, Alexander and Pieper, Martin}, title = {Simulation and Verification of Bionic Heat Exchangers with COMSOL Multiphysics® Software}, series = {COMSOL Conference 2015 User Presentations ; COMSOL Conference 2015 Grenoble October 14 - 16, 2015 - World Trade Center, Grenoble, France}, booktitle = {COMSOL Conference 2015 User Presentations ; COMSOL Conference 2015 Grenoble October 14 - 16, 2015 - World Trade Center, Grenoble, France}, publisher = {COMSOL}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen ; Berlin}, pages = {6 Seiten}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @article{DiktaReisselHarlass2016, author = {Dikta, Gerhard and Reißel, Martin and Harlaß, Carsten}, title = {Semi-parametric survival function estimators deduced from an identifying Volterra type integral equation}, series = {Journal of multivariate analysis}, journal = {Journal of multivariate analysis}, number = {147}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, doi = {10.1016/j.jmva.2016.02.008}, pages = {273 -- 284}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Based on an identifying Volterra type integral equation for randomly right censored observations from a lifetime distribution function F, we solve the corresponding estimating equation by an explicit and implicit Euler scheme. While the first approach results in some known estimators, the second one produces new semi-parametric and pre-smoothed Kaplan-Meier estimators which are real distribution functions rather than sub-distribution functions as the former ones are. This property of the new estimators is particular useful if one wants to estimate the expected lifetime restricted to the support of the observation time. Specifically, we focus on estimation under the semi-parametric random censorship model (SRCM), that is, a random censorship model where the conditional expectation of the censoring indicator given the observation belongs to a parametric family. We show that some estimated linear functionals which are based on the new semi-parametric estimator are strong consistent, asymptotically normal, and efficient under SRCM. In a small simulation study, the performance of the new estimator is illustrated under moderate sample sizes. Finally, we apply the new estimator to a well-known real dataset.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{JungStaatMueller2016, author = {Jung, Alexander and Staat, Manfred and M{\"u}ller, Wolfram}, title = {Effect of wind on flight style optimisation in ski jumping}, series = {15th International Symposium on Computer Simulation in Biomechanics ; July 9th-11th 2015, Edinburgh, UK}, booktitle = {15th International Symposium on Computer Simulation in Biomechanics ; July 9th-11th 2015, Edinburgh, UK}, publisher = {The University of Edinburgh ; Loughborough University}, address = {Edinburgh}, pages = {53 -- 54}, year = {2016}, language = {en} } @article{FrotscherMuanghongDursunetal.2016, author = {Frotscher, Ralf and Muanghong, Danita and Dursun, G{\"o}zde and Goßmann, Matthias and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Staat, Manfred}, title = {Sample-specific adaption of an improved electro-mechanical model of in vitro cardiac tissue}, series = {Journal of Biomechanics}, volume = {49}, journal = {Journal of Biomechanics}, number = {12}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0021-9290 (Print)}, doi = {10.1016/j.jbiomech.2016.01.039}, pages = {2428 -- 2435}, year = {2016}, abstract = {We present an electromechanically coupled computational model for the investigation of a thin cardiac tissue construct consisting of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial, ventricular and sinoatrial cardiomyocytes. The mechanical and electrophysiological parts of the finite element model, as well as their coupling are explained in detail. The model is implemented in the open source finite element code Code_Aster and is employed for the simulation of a thin circular membrane deflected by a monolayer of autonomously beating, circular, thin cardiac tissue. Two cardio-active drugs, S-Bay K8644 and veratridine, are applied in experiments and simulations and are investigated with respect to their chronotropic effects on the tissue. These results demonstrate the potential of coupled micro- and macroscopic electromechanical models of cardiac tissue to be adapted to experimental results at the cellular level. Further model improvements are discussed taking into account experimentally measurable quantities that can easily be extracted from the obtained experimental results. The goal is to estimate the potential to adapt the presented model to sample specific cell cultures.}, language = {en} } @article{GossmannFrotscherLinderetal.2016, author = {Goßmann, Matthias and Frotscher, Ralf and Linder, Peter and Bayer, Robin and Epple, U. and Staat, Manfred and Temiz Artmann, Ayseg{\"u}l and Artmann, Gerhard}, title = {Mechano-pharmacological characterization of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells}, series = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry}, volume = {38}, journal = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry}, number = {3}, publisher = {Karger}, address = {Basel}, issn = {1421-9778 (Online)}, doi = {10.1159/000443124}, pages = {1182 -- 1198}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Background/Aims: Common systems for the quantification of cellular contraction rely on animal-based models, complex experimental setups or indirect approaches. The herein presented CellDrum technology for testing mechanical tension of cellular monolayers and thin tissue constructs has the potential to scale-up mechanical testing towards medium-throughput analyses. Using hiPS-Cardiac Myocytes (hiPS-CMs) it represents a new perspective of drug testing and brings us closer to personalized drug medication. Methods: In the present study, monolayers of self-beating hiPS-CMs were grown on ultra-thin circular silicone membranes and deflect under the weight of the culture medium. Rhythmic contractions of the hiPS-CMs induced variations of the membrane deflection. The recorded contraction-relaxation-cycles were analyzed with respect to their amplitudes, durations, time integrals and frequencies. Besides unstimulated force and tensile stress, we investigated the effects of agonists and antagonists acting on Ca²⁺ channels (S-Bay K8644/verapamil) and Na⁺ channels (veratridine/lidocaine). Results: The measured data and simulations for pharmacologically unstimulated contraction resembled findings in native human heart tissue, while the pharmacological dose-response curves were highly accurate and consistent with reference data. Conclusion: We conclude that the combination of the CellDrum with hiPS-CMs offers a fast, facile and precise system for pharmacological, toxicological studies and offers new preclinical basic research potential.}, language = {en} } @article{FischerSelverGezeretal.2015, author = {Fischer, Felix and Selver, M. Alper and Gezer, Sinem and Dicle, Oguz and Hillen, Walter}, title = {Systematic Parameterization, Storage, and Representation of Volumetric DICOM Data}, series = {Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering}, volume = {35}, journal = {Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering}, number = {6}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {2199-4757}, doi = {10.1007/s40846-015-0097-5}, pages = {709 -- 723}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{PoghossianBronderWuetal.2015, author = {Poghossian, Arshak and Bronder, Thomas and Wu, Chunsheng and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Label-free sensing of biomolecules by their intrinsic molecular charge using field-effect devices}, series = {Semiconductor Micro- and Nanoelectonics : Proceedings of the tenth international conference, Yerevan, Armenia, September 11-13}, booktitle = {Semiconductor Micro- and Nanoelectonics : Proceedings of the tenth international conference, Yerevan, Armenia, September 11-13}, isbn = {978-5-8084-1991-9}, pages = {61 -- 63}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @article{HamadBilattoAdlyetal.2016, author = {Hamad, E. M. and Bilatto, S. E. R. and Adly, N. Y. and Correa, D. S. and Wolfrum, B. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Offenh{\"a}usser, A. and Yakushenko, A.}, title = {Inkjet printing of UV-curable adhesive and dielectric inks for microfluidic devices}, series = {Lab on a Chip}, volume = {16}, journal = {Lab on a Chip}, number = {1}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1473-0189}, doi = {10.1039/C5LC01195G}, pages = {70 -- 74}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Bonding of polymer-based microfluidics to polymer substrates still poses a challenge for Lab-On-a-Chip applications. Especially, when sensing elements are incorporated, patterned deposition of adhesives with curing at ambient conditions is required. Here, we demonstrate a fabrication method for fully printed microfluidic systems with sensing elements using inkjet and stereolithographic 3D-printing.}, language = {en} } @article{MuribYeapEurlingsetal.2016, author = {Murib, M. S. and Yeap, W. S. and Eurlings, Y. and Grinsven, B. van and Boyen, H.-G. and Conings, B. and Michiels, L. and Ameloot, M. and Carleer, R. and Warmer, J. and Kaul, P. and Haenen, K. and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Ceuninck, W. de and Wagner, P.}, title = {Heat-transfer based characterization of DNA on synthetic sapphire chips}, series = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, volume = {230}, journal = {Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical}, number = {230}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0925-4005}, doi = {10.1016/j.snb.2016.02.027}, pages = {260 -- 271}, year = {2016}, abstract = {In this study, we show that synthetic sapphire (Al₂O₃), an established implant material, can also serve as a platform material for biosensors comparable to nanocrystalline diamond. Sapphire chips, beads, and powder were first modified with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), followed by succinic anhydride (SA), and finally single-stranded probe DNA was EDC coupled to the functionalized layer. The presence of the APTES-SA layer on sapphire powders was confirmed by thermogravimetric analyis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Using planar sapphire chips as substrates and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as surface-sensitive tool, the sequence of individual layers was analyzed with respect to their chemical state, enabling the quantification of areal densities of the involved molecular units. Fluorescence microscopy was used to demonstrate the hybridization of fluorescently tagged target DNA to the probe DNA, including denaturation- and re-hybridization experiments. Due to its high thermal conductivity, synthetic sapphire is especially suitable as a chip material for the heat-transfer method, which was employed to distinguish complementary- and non-complementary DNA duplexes containing single-nucleotide polymorphisms. These results indicate that it is possible to detect mutations electronically with a chemically resilient and electrically insulating chip material.}, language = {en} } @incollection{PoghossianSchusserBaeckeretal.2015, author = {Poghossian, Arshak and Schusser, Sebastian and B{\"a}cker, M. and Leinhos, Marcel and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Real-time in-situ electrical monitoring of the degradation of biopolymers using semiconductor field-effect devices}, series = {Biodegradable biopolymers. Vol. 1}, booktitle = {Biodegradable biopolymers. Vol. 1}, publisher = {Nova Science Publ.}, address = {Hauppauge}, isbn = {978-1-63483-632-6}, pages = {135 -- 153}, year = {2015}, language = {en} } @article{OberlaenderKirchnerKeusgenetal.2015, author = {Oberl{\"a}nder, Jan and Kirchner, Patrick and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Strategies in developing thin-film sensors for monitoring aseptic food processes : Theoretical considerations and investigations of passivation materials}, series = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {183}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0013-4686}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2015.06.126}, pages = {130 -- 136}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The sterilization of packages in aseptic food processes is highly significant to maintain a consumer-safe product with extended shelf-life. Today, the sterilization of food packages is predominantly accomplished by gaseous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in combination with heat. In order to monitor this sterilization process, calorimetric gas sensors as differential set-up of two platinum temperature sensors representing a catalytically active (additionally deposition of MnO2) and a passive segment have been recently developed. The temperature rise of the exothermic decomposition serves as an indicator of the present H2O2 concentration. In the present work, a theoretical approach considering the sensor's thermochemistry and physical transport phenomena was formulated to evaluate the temperature rise based on the energy content of gaseous H2O2. In a further part of this work, three polymers have been analyzed with respect to their application as passivation materials. The examined polymers are photoresist SU-8, perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP). Thermal analyses by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) have been conducted to determine the operation limits of the polymers. The overall chemical resistance and stability of the polymers against the harsh environmental conditions during the sterilization process have been examined by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).}, language = {en} } @article{MiyamatoSakakitaWagneretal.2015, author = {Miyamato, Ko-ichiro and Sakakita, Sakura and Wagner, Torsten and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef and Yoshinobu, Tatsuo}, title = {Application of chemical imaging sensor to in-situ pH imaging in the vicinity of a corroding metal surface}, series = {Electrochimica Acta}, volume = {183}, journal = {Electrochimica Acta}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0013-4686}, doi = {10.1016/j.electacta.2015.07.184}, pages = {137 -- 142}, year = {2015}, abstract = {The chemical imaging sensor was applied to in-situ pH imaging of the solution in the vicinity of a corroding surface of stainless steel under potentiostatic polarization. A test piece of polished stainless steel was placed on the sensing surface leaving a narrow gap filled with artificial seawater and the stainless steel was corroded under polarization. The pH images obtained during polarization showed correspondence between the region of lower pH and the site of corrosion. It was also found that the pH value in the gap became as low as 2 by polarization, which triggered corrosion.}, language = {en} } @article{SchusserKrischerBaeckeretal.2015, author = {Schusser, Sebastian and Krischer, Maximillian and B{\"a}cker, Matthias and Poghossian, Arshak and Wagner, Patrick and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Monitoring of the Enzymatically Catalyzed Degradation of Biodegradable Polymers by Means of Capacitive Field-Effect Sensors}, series = {Analytical Chemistry}, volume = {87}, journal = {Analytical Chemistry}, number = {13}, publisher = {ACS Publications}, address = {Washington, DC}, issn = {1520-6882}, doi = {10.1021/acs.analchem.5b00617}, pages = {6607 -- 6613}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Designing novel or optimizing existing biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications requires numerous tests on the effect of substances on the degradation process. In the present work, polymer-modified electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (PMEIS) sensors have been applied for monitoring an enzymatically catalyzed degradation of polymers for the first time. The thin films of biodegradable polymer poly(d,l-lactic acid) and enzyme lipase were used as a model system. During degradation, the sensors were read-out by means of impedance spectroscopy. In order to interpret the data obtained from impedance measurements, an electrical equivalent circuit model was developed. In addition, morphological investigations of the polymer surface have been performed by means of in situ atomic force microscopy. The sensor signal change, which reflects the progress of degradation, indicates an accelerated degradation in the presence of the enzyme compared to hydrolysis in neutral pH buffer media. The degradation rate increases with increasing enzyme concentration. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of PMEIS sensors as a very promising tool for in situ and real-time monitoring of degradation of polymers.}, language = {en} }