We report in this study on the first use a compact biocompatible hydrogel-based electrochemical sensing device for the examination of NO production from adherently growing cells. The conception assessment is tested here in the case of C6 glioma cells. The main body of the integrated device is made of three-planar disc (1 mm of diameter each) array electrode with a mounted acrylic reservoir, and the resulting chamber served as the electrochemical cell. The ionically conducting biocompatible hydrogel membrane is then deposited on the planar surface of the substrate on which the examined NO-releasing cells are cultured. Such a device allows having a living cell-based device for an easy screening of drugs for NO production and/or inhibition. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.