Monitoring and maturation of cardiomyocyte differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells using a multi-functional tissue engineering platform

Background The use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) is attracting attention as a potential personalized therapy for damaged myocardium, as they are accessible and compatible with the human body. The hiPSCs can be effectively differentiated into cardiomyocytes (CMs), which are essential for myocardial regeneration. However, current approaches have been unable to fully replicate the electro-mechanical functions of natural CMs. Methods Although several methods have been used to stimulate hiPSC-CMs for maturation, the ability to integrate multiple stimuli that influence myocardial cell function has been limited. To address this challenge, we have developed a multi-functional tissue engineering system for CMs that is based on a stretchable multielectrode array (SMEA). The SMEA is housed in a mini-incubator and is stretchable, durable and autoclavable. Results The system can independently control co-stimulation parameters of electrical and mechanical stimuli simultaneously. Furthermore, the system can monitor the status of the cells throughout their proliferation and differentiation of hiPSCs, as well as the stimulation of hiPSC-CMs, through electrochemical cell impedance spectroscopy. By applying co-stimulation, we have observed the enhanced maturation of hiPSC-CMs. Conclusions Our innovative system holds great potential as a tool for improving the culture and engineering of electrogenic cells with enhanced maturity.