The technique, which relies on the application of alternating electric fields, promises to streamline ageing research and accelerate progress in the study of age-related diseases.   

Known as frequency-modulated dielectrophoresis (FM-DEP), the process enables scientists to distinguish senescent (ageing) cells from healthy ones by analysing how they respond to electric fields. Unlike conventional methods that require chemical stains or fluorescent tags, FM-DEP detects differences in the cells’ physical and electrical properties.  

The team demonstrated the technique using human dermal fibroblasts – cells commonly found in connective tissue. According to the research team, senescent cells exhibit a significantly lower “cutoff frequency” compared to non-senescent cells when exposed to varying frequencies of electric fields. This difference is caused by changes in the composition of the cell membrane – particularly the lipids – which affect how the cells polarise in response to the field.  

The new method offers several key advantages. Because it does not require chemical labeling, it preserves the cells’ natural state, avoids introducing artifacts, and reduces processing time.  

Senescent cells are implicated in many age-related diseases, including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Efficiently identifying these cells without chemical interference could improve research into the biological mechanisms of ageing and help in the development of targeted treatments.