Bioimpedance and electrophysiology measurements of engineered heart tissues outside the culture medium

Abstract

Engineered heart tissues (EHTs), composed of human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts, have emerged as promising tools for disease modeling and drug discovery due to their ability to replicate aspects of the function and structure of the heart muscle. While bioimpedance and electrophysiology measurements are powerful tools for monitoring EHTs, these techniques can be challenging to perform due to the high conductivity of the surrounding cell medium.

In this study, we explored the possibility of measuring bioimpedance and electrophysiology outside of the cell medium. To this end, we developed a platform that lifts EHTs from the culture medium during the measurements, thereby allowing the electrical current to flow directly through the tissues. The platform monitors contractility by fixed frequency impedance measurements, electrophysiology by field potential measurements, and structural changes through electrical impedance spectroscopy. Over two weeks of measurements, we observed increasing trends in contractility and field potential amplitudes, along with structural changes. No adverse effect on the EHTs were detected, ensuring their stability and viability throughout the monitoring process. Moreover, the impedance amplitude measured on the platform correlates with the contractile degree during drug experiments, serving as a reliable indicator of EHT functionality. Electrical stimulation with limited charge injection was also demonstrated. In conclusion, our platform offers a comprehensive and efficient method for monitoring EHTs and holds potential as a tool for cardiovascular disease modeling and drug screening.