Real-time cardiomyocyte contraction sensing via a neo-flexible magnetic sensor

Abstract

Assessing heart disease and evaluating drug-induced cardiotoxicity require a deep understanding of the contractile properties of cardiac tissue, particularly at the level of individual cardiomyocytes. Traditional methods for measuring cardiomyocyte contractility present several challenges, including limitations in real-time detection, complex and costly sensing platforms, and biocompatibility issues. To address these challenges, we introduce an innovative magnetic sensor that utilizes a flexible coil cantilever, pioneering the application of electromagnetic induction for detecting cardiomyocyte contractility. This marks the first time such technology has been deployed in typical laboratory settings with straightforward configurations. When cardiomyocytes are cultured on these coils and subjected to a static magnetic field, their contractions induce oscillations in the coils, generating an electromotive force that converts mechanical pulsations into electrical signals. This advanced platform enables long-term, real-time monitoring of cardiac functional characteristics, including contractility, beating rate, and rhythm. It also enables the quantitative assessment of cardiovascular dynamics, such as in response to drugs like isoproterenol and verapamil. Offering a uniquely simple, stable, and efficient method for evaluating drug-induced cardiotoxicity, this novel detection platform underscores the transformative potential of flexible magnetic sensors in real-time cellular detection applications.