Magnetically Actuated Soft Electrodes for Multisite Bioelectrical Monitoring of Ex Vivo Tissues.

Abstract

Multisite electrophysiological monitoring of ex vivo tissues and organ models is essential for basic research and drug toxicity evaluation. However, conventional microelectrode arrays with fixed positions and rigid structures are insufficient for dynamic, curved tissue surfaces. Here, we present a magnetically actuated soft electrode (MSE) with precise navigation, adaptive attachment, and high-fidelity signal acquisition. Operating in a "locate-adhere-record-detach" cycle, the MSE enabled continuous multisite detection on beating ex vivo tissues. In isolated rat heart experiments, the MSE demonstrated millimeter-level navigation accuracy, stable contact, and high signal-to-noise ratio (average 28 dB). By integrating magnetic locomotion with electrophysiological sensing, this work establishes a programmable, actively addressable platform for multisite electrophysiological monitoring of organ models, tissue slices, and engineered constructs, offering broad potential for cardiotoxicity screening and cardiovascular research.