Interferometric biosensor for highly sensitive label-free recording of HiPS cardiomyocytes contraction in vitro

Boschi, Alessio, Iachetta, Giuseppina, Buonocore, Salvatore, Hubarevich, Aliaksandr, Hurtaud, Julien, Moreddu, Rosalia, Marta d’Amora, None, Formoso, Maria Blanco, Tantussi, Francesco, Dipalo, Michele and De Angelis, Francesco (2024) Interferometric biosensor for highly sensitive label-free recording of HiPS cardiomyocytes contraction in vitro. Nano Letters, 24 (22), 6451-6458. (doi:10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c04291).

Abstract

Heart disease remains a leading cause of global mortality, underscoring the need for advanced technologies to study cardiovascular diseases and develop effective treatments. We introduce an innovative interferometric biosensor for high-sensitivity and label-free recording of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) cardiomyocyte contraction in vitro. Using an optical cavity, our device captures interference patterns caused by the contraction-induced displacement of a thin flexible membrane. First, we demonstrate the capability to quantify spontaneous contractions and discriminate between contraction and relaxation phases. We calculate a contraction-induced vertical membrane displacement close to 40 nm, which implies a traction stress of 34 ± 4 mN/mm². Finally, we investigate the effects of a drug compound on contractility amplitude, revealing a significant reduction in contractile forces. The label-free and high-throughput nature of our biosensor may enhance drug screening processes and drug development for cardiac treatments. Our interferometric biosensor offers a novel approach for noninvasive and real-time assessment of cardiomyocyte contraction.

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Contributors

Author: Rosalia Moreddu

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