30/04/2024

A team of engineers, led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has developed a cutting-edge bioelectronic mesh system integrated with graphene sensors to monitor both mechanical movement and electrical signals in lab-grown human cardiac tissue.

This innovative tool, introduced in Nature Communications, marks a significant advancement in cardiac research, offering comprehensive insights into heart function and drug effects.

Image: Depiction of the bioelectronic mesh in purple and green with red graphene sensors; Copyright: Gao et al., 10.1038/s41467-024-46636-7

A bioelectronic mesh, studded with graphene sensors (red), can measure the electrical signal and movement of cardiac tissue (purple and green) at the same time.

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Improving cardiac monitoring

Cardiac disease is a global health concern, necessitating precise monitoring methods. Current monitoring techniques are limited, posing challenges for researchers and pharmaceutical companies. Professor Jun Yao highlights the complexity of cardiac tissue, emphasizing the need for sensors capable of measuring both mechanical and electrical properties simultaneously.

Innovative components

The bioelectronic mesh comprises a three-dimensional cardiac microtissue (CMT) and graphene sensors. CMT, grown from human stem cells, closely mimics the structure of a human heart under the guidance of Professor Yubing Sun. Graphene, an atom-thick carbon substance, demonstrates unique electrical and mechanical properties ideal for cardiac sensing, as explained by Professor Jing Kong.

Unprecedented integration

Graphene sensors embedded in a stretchable mesh scaffold enable non-invasive monitoring of cardiac tissue. The mesh scaffold closely resembles human tissue, allowing seamless integration and long-term monitoring without disruption. Lead author Hongyan Gao emphasizes the pioneering nature of the sensor, offering real-time feedback to researchers and drug developers.

The research, supported by various organizations, holds promise for future advancements in cardiac monitoring. Gao envisions scaling the sensor for in vivo monitoring, potentially providing the best-possible data to help solve cardiac disease.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: University of Massachusetts Amherst

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