Chip‐Based Heat Stimulation for Modulating Signal Propagation in HL‐1 Cell Networks

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Signal propagation in cardiac cell networks can be modulated by heat stimulation. Here, the response of a connected HL‐1 cardiomyocyte cell network to the application of confined heat stimuli using Ca2+ imaging is investigated. Localized temperature gradients are generated by resistive heating via microwire arrays on a chip surface, which serves as a substrate for growing a confluent cell network. It is demonstrated that upon heat stimulation, the velocity of the propagating Ca2+ wave in the network is locally increased, leading to a deformation of the wavefront. Furthermore, evidence of a change in the signal propagation direction caused by a relocation of the pacemaker cell is shown. This effect might be used in future applications, where heat is employed as an alternative modality for cell stimulation protocols.
It is demonstrated that local heat stimulation can increase the velocity of Ca2+ waves in cardiomyocyte‐like cell networks leading to a deformation of the wavefront. Furthermore, evidence of heat‐induced changes in the signal propagation direction possibly caused by a relocation of the pacemaker cell is shown.