A device and methods for monitoring status of at least one cell, wherein
the cell has a membrane forming a substantially enclosed structure and
defining an intracellular space therein. In one embodiment of the present
invention, the device includes a first substrate having a first surface
and an opposite second surface, a second substrate supported by the first
substrate, the second substrate having a first surface, an opposite
second surface, a body portion between the first surface and the second
surface, a first side surface and an opposite second side surface,
wherein the body portion defines a first passage between the first side
surface and the second side surface and an opening on the first surface
of the second substrate and in fluid communication with the first
passage, and sidewalls positioned above the first surface of the second
substrate. In one operation mode, when a first medium is introduced into
the first passage, the intracellular space of the cell is in fluid
communication with the first passage with the first medium, a sensor
measures the response of the cell to the first medium.