Development of a microphysiological system with integrated electrodes for cardiac cell culture, stimulation and sensing

Abstract

This project focuses on the development and experimentation of a microfluidic device with integrated electrodes, specifically designed to support the growth and maturation of a 3D cardiac cell matrix. The goal is to create a functional system that not only enables the cells to thrive and pump, but also facilitates the propagation of electrical stimuli, mimicking the behavior of natural cardiovascular tissue. The motivation behind this research stems from the limited regenerative capacity of adult heart tissue, particularly when it comes to cardiomyocytes. Traditional healing methods are often inadequate, necessitating heart transplants as the only definitive treatment option. To address this challenge, scientists are exploring the potential of biomaterial scaffolds to regenerate cardiovascular tissue by replacing damaged or necrotic tissue. The microfluidic device developed in this project holds great promise for researchers in the pharmaceutical field, offering a valuable tool for drug testing and disease modeling. Despite facing challenges in incorporating gold electrodes into the device, the team has successfully characterized it using an EIS machine. The design of the microelectrodes and microchannels, along with the overall functionality of the microchip, have been accomplished. While the current focus has been on a 2D layer of cells, the future objectives involve achieving a fully functional 3D matrix to fulfill the original research goals. Overall, this project aims to represent a significant step towards the advancement of regenerative medicine and the potential for innovative solutions in treating cardiovascular diseases.