Electrically stimulable indium tin oxide plate for long-term in vitro cardiomyocyte culture

Abstract

Background: We investigated whether electrical stimulation via indium tin oxide (ITO) could enhance the in vitro culture of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), which are important in vitro models for studying the mechanisms underlying many aspects of cardiology. Methods: Cardiomyocytes were obtained from 1-day-old neonatal rat heart ventricles. To evaluate function of NRVMs cultured on ITO with electrical stimulation, the cell viability, change of cell morphology, immunochemistry using cardiac-specific antibodies, and gene expression were tested. Results: Defined sarcomeric structure, cell enlargement, and increased distribution of NRVMs appeared in the presence of electrical stimulation. These characteristics were absent in NRVMs cultured under standard culture conditions. In addition, the expression levels of cardiomyocyte-specific and ion channel markers were higher in NRVMs seeded on ITO-coated dishes than in the control group at 14 days after seeding. ITO-coated dishes could effectively provide electrical cues to support the in vitro culture of NRVMs. Conclusions: These results provide supporting evidence that electrical stimulation via ITO can be effectively used to maintain culture and enhance function of cardiomyocytes in vitro.

Wired for Success: Probing the Effect of Tissue-Engineered Neural Interface Substrates on Cell Viability

“…Finally, the ITO substrate presented the lowest overall capacitive currents, but clear redox peaks from the GO functional groups could be observed, offering a balanced electroactive environment. As a result, electrochemical processes are stable and efficient, potentially supporting cell viability and function without causing overstimulation. ,− …”

“…Overall, the literature corroborates that ITO substrates significantly influence cellular behavior in terms of adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation particularly in response to electrical stimulation. For instance, a study involving cardiomyocyte cultures has highlighted the role of ITO in improvement of cell function and growth under electrical stimulation . Furthermore, research involving mesenchymal stem cells and human dermal fibroblasts has used ITO for detailed cell surface charge mapping, demonstrating its use in advanced cellular function analyses .…”

“…For instance, a study involving cardiomyocyte cultures has highlighted the role of ITO in improvement of cell function and growth under electrical stimulation. 85 Furthermore, research involving mesenchymal stem cells and human dermal fibroblasts has used ITO for detailed cell surface charge mapping, demonstrating its use in advanced cellular function analyses. 86 These findings demonstrate the capability of ITO to modulate cell behavior across various cell types, reinforcing the significance of our findings within the broader context of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.…”

Fabrication and Biomedical Applications of Heart-on-a-chip

“…used ITO to electrically stimulate neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. It was found that electrical stimulation results in a well-organized sarcomere structure and upregulates the heart-specific gene expression[ 40 ]. Nieto et al .…”

The development, use, and challenges of electromechanical tissue stimulation systems

“…demonstrated an electrical stimulation on cardiomyocytes using an indium tin oxide (ITO) plate that is conductive and biocompatible. This platform showed high efficacy in electrically stimulating cells and enhanced the function of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes [17]. Sesena-Rubfiaro et al .…”