Featured
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| Open AccessA large size-selective DNA nanopore with sensing applications
Artificial nanopores can perform selective gating of molecules analogous to transmembrane proteins. Here, the authors design a DNA origami pore with a controllable lid for size-selective gating and translocation of macromolecules and evaluate its biosensing properties by single particle assay.
- Rasmus P. Thomsen
- , Mette Galsgaard Malle
- & Jørgen Kjems
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| Open AccessOrthogonal regulation of DNA nanostructure self-assembly and disassembly using antibodies
Antibodies are useful biomarkers and are emerging as powerful therapeutic tools. Here the authors report a rational strategy to orthogonally control assembly and disassembly of DNA-based nanostructures using specific IgG antibodies as molecular inputs.
- Simona Ranallo
- , Daniela Sorrentino
- & Francesco Ricci
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| Open AccessAutomated sequence design of 2D wireframe DNA origami with honeycomb edges
Wireframe DNA origami is a powerful approach to creating 2D and 3D geometries. Here the authors introduce an automated computational design approach that programs structures with high structural fidelity.
- Hyungmin Jun
- , Xiao Wang
- & Mark Bathe
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| Open AccessCytoplasmic glycoengineering enables biosynthesis of nanoscale glycoprotein assemblies
Established bacterial glycoengineering platforms limit access to protein and glycan substrates. Here the authors design a cytoplasmic protein glycosylation system, Glycoli, to generate a variety of multivalent glycostructures.
- Hanne L. P. Tytgat
- , Chia-wei Lin
- & Timothy G. Keys
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| Open AccessRenal clearable nanochelators for iron overload therapy
The build-up of iron in the body can have serious consequences; current treatment therapies suffer from adverse side effects and toxicity. Here, the authors developed renal clearable nanochelators with improved pharmacodynamics and demonstrated their efficacy and safety in iron overload animal models.
- Homan Kang
- , Murui Han
- & Jonghan Kim
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| Open AccessActive DNA unwinding and transport by a membrane-adapted helicase nanopore
Active translocation of DNA through nanopores usually needs enzyme assistance. Here authors present a nanopore derived from helicase E1 of bovine papillomavirus (BPV) which acts as a conductive pore embedded in lipid membrane to allow the translocation of ssDNA and unwinding of dsDNA.
- Ke Sun
- , Changjian Zhao
- & Jia Geng
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Article
| Open AccessIndependent control of the thermodynamic and kinetic properties of aptamer switches
Aptamer switches are promising biotechnological tools but coupling of their affinity and temporal response limits their versatility. Here, the authors developed an intramolecular strand-displacement strategy that allows for independent fine-tuning of thermodynamics and kinetics of aptamer switches.
- Brandon D. Wilson
- , Amani A. Hariri
- & H. Tom Soh
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Article
| Open AccessSingle-molecule sensing of peptides and nucleic acids by engineered aerolysin nanopores
Aerolysin pores have potential to improve the accuracy of DNA sequencing and single-molecule proteomics. Here, the authors rationally design a set of mutated pores to achieve a more accurate detection of peptides and nucleic acids.
- Chan Cao
- , Nuria Cirauqui
- & Matteo Dal Peraro
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| Open AccessIncreased yields and biological potency of knob-into-hole-based soluble MHC class II molecules
Recombinant MHC class II molecules are instrumental in antigen-specific T-cell identification assays and showed efficacy as experimental medicines. Here, the authors engineer MHC class II molecules with species-specific knob-into-hole heteromerization domains, enabling a translatable purification process with improved stability, yields, and biological potency.
- Pau Serra
- , Nahir Garabatos
- & Pere Santamaria
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Article
| Open AccessCrossing the blood-brain-barrier with nanoligand drug carriers self-assembled from a phage display peptide
Bacteriophages can bind targets with only a few copies of a display peptide while most nanoparticles with thousands achieve poor binding. Here the authors form hierarchical arrangements of phage peptides to delivery siRNA across the blood brain barrier.
- Lin-Ping Wu
- , Davoud Ahmadvand
- & S. Moein Moghimi
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Article
| Open AccessEndogenous stimulus-powered antibiotic release from nanoreactors for a combination therapy of bacterial infections
Endogenous triggered delivery of antibiotics over an external triggered delivery has distinct advantages. Here, the authors report on a nanoreactor triggered by bacterial toxin to trigger a drug release mechanism and capture the toxin for reduced toxicity of toxins and improved immune response.
- Yang Wu
- , Zhiyong Song
- & Heyou Han
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Article
| Open AccessManipulating energy migration within single lanthanide activator for switchable upconversion emissions towards bidirectional photoactivation
Orthogonal light based control of biology is of interest, yet the synthesis of materials capable of this is complex. Here, the authors report on the synthesis of simpler upconversion nanoparticles which used cross-relaxation to change emission spectra from red to green light with a change in NIR wavelength.
- Qingsong Mei
- , Akshaya Bansal
- & Yong Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessSurface-kinetics mediated mesoporous multipods for enhanced bacterial adhesion and inhibition
Control of composite nanoparticle topology can be difficult. Here the authors control the topological structure of mesoporous multipods by controlling the number of nucleation sites, and they used the resultant nanoparticles for bacterial adhesion, segregation and antibiotic delivery.
- Tiancong Zhao
- , Liang Chen
- & Dongyuan Zhao
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Article
| Open AccessCAR exosomes derived from effector CAR-T cells have potent antitumour effects and low toxicity
Genetically engineered T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T cells) are a promising new treatment for cancer, but are associated with unique toxicities. Here, the authors test CAR-T-cell-derived exosomes as a surrogate for CAR-T cells and show that they can elicit a potent antitumour immune response in preclinical models of breast cancer with reduced signs of cytokine release syndrome compared with CAR-T therapy.
- Wenyan Fu
- , Changhai Lei
- & Shi Hu
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| Open AccessThermo-responsive triple-function nanotransporter for efficient chemo-photothermal therapy of multidrug-resistant bacterial infection
Antibiotic resistance is a major global health challenge. Here, the authors report on a thermoresponsive delivery system for combined photothermal and antibiotic delivery with fluorescent tracking abilities and demonstrate application against antibiotic resistant bacteria in vitro and in vivo.
- Guangchao Qing
- , Xianxian Zhao
- & Xing-Jie Liang
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Article
| Open AccessA highly conductive fibre network enables centimetre-scale electron transport in multicellular cable bacteria
Cable bacteria’ form long multicellular filaments that can transfer electrical currents over centimetre-long distances. Here, Meysman et al. show that the electrical currents run along highly conductive fibres embedded in the cell envelope, and charge transfer is electronic rather than ionic.
- Filip J. R. Meysman
- , Rob Cornelissen
- & Jean V. Manca
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| Open AccessMultifunctional nanoagents for ultrasensitive imaging and photoactive killing of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria
The authors present multifunctional nanoagents that can be used for imaging and treatment of bacterial infections. The nanoagents are made of fluorescent silicon nanoparticles functionalized with a glucose polymer and loaded with chlorin e6, and are taken up by bacteria via ABC transporters.
- Jiali Tang
- , Binbin Chu
- & Yao He
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Article
| Open AccessGenetic programming of macrophages to perform anti-tumor functions using targeted mRNA nanocarriers
The previous efforts to reprogramme tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) to M1 phenotype have caused undesired side-effects. Here, the authors report targeted nanocarriers for delivering mRNA encoding M1-polarizing transcription factors to TAMs and show their efficacy in multiple mouse tumour models.
- F. Zhang
- , N. N. Parayath
- & M. T. Stephan
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| Open AccessA bioinspired optoelectronically engineered artificial neurorobotics device with sensorimotor functionalities
The internet of things technologies relies on the development of sensorimotor systems. Here, Karbalaei Akbari and Zhuiykov show a bioinspired sensorimotor system based on an integration of an artificial optical synapse and a liquid metal actuator, which mimics the expansion and contraction of biological muscles.
- Mohammad Karbalaei Akbari
- & Serge Zhuiykov
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| Open AccessInhibition of amyloid beta toxicity in zebrafish with a chaperone-gold nanoparticle dual strategy
Treating Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, is of wide interest. Here, the authors report on the development of casein coated gold nanoparticles which were able to cross the blood brain barrier and protect against amyloid beta toxicity in a zebrafish model.
- Ibrahim Javed
- , Guotao Peng
- & Sijie Lin
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| Open AccessInterplay of protein corona and immune cells controls blood residency of liposomes
Protein corona formation is known to have significant effects upon nanomaterials application. Here, the authors investigate the creation of a protein coating on liposomes with the aim of improving liposome circulation time by avoiding leukocyte capture and demonstrated application in vitro and ex vivo.
- Francesca Giulimondi
- , Luca Digiacomo
- & Giulio Caracciolo
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| Open AccessCellular internalization of bystander nanomaterial induced by TAT-nanoparticles and regulated by extracellular cysteine
To enter the cells, nanomaterials often need covalent conjugation with cell-penetrating ligands such as TAT. Here, the authors show that simple mixing with TAT-coupled nanoparticles enables the cellular uptake of unfunctionalized nanoparticles, and its activity is stimulated by cysteine in the medium.
- Yushuang Wei
- , Tang Tang
- & Hong-Bo Pang
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| Open AccessSynthetic molecular recognition nanosensor paint for microalbuminuria
Microalbuminuria, a clinical marker associated with cancer and hypertension, defined by low albumin levels in the urine, is normally detected by immunoassay. Herein, a nanosensor paint was developed using a polymer to mimic fatty acid binding to albumin, transduced by carbon nanotube fluorescence.
- Januka Budhathoki-Uprety
- , Janki Shah
- & Daniel A. Heller
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Article
| Open AccessVirus lasers for biological detection
Many ligand-binding assays still rely on signals that scale linearly with probe concentration. The authors present lasing detection probes with a dye-labelled virus as the gain medium to optically amplify the signal, which could enable much higher signals than for fluorescent quantification.
- John E. Hales
- , Guy Matmon
- & Gabriel Aeppli
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| Open AccessCovalently-assembled single-chain protein nanostructures with ultra-high stability
De novo protein nanostructures are typically assembled via top-down approaches. Here, the authors developed a bottom-up approach, using split inteins to ligate multiple copies of a three-helix bundle to create 2D triangular and square-shaped structures with high stability.
- Wenqin Bai
- , Cameron J. Sargent
- & Fuzhong Zhang
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Article
| Open AccessQuantum biological tunnel junction for electron transfer imaging in live cells
Although quantum biological electron transfer is important in many biological processes, imaging of the events in live cells has remained challenging. Here, the authors demonstrate real-time optical detection of quantum biological electron tunnelling between nanoparticles and cytochrome c inside living cells.
- Hongbao Xin
- , Wen Jing Sim
- & Luke P. Lee
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| Open AccessMultifunctional cationic nanosystems for nucleic acid therapy of thoracic aortic dissection
Thoracic aortic dissection has a high fatality rate and no effective treatment. Here, the authors develop cationic nanoparticles for the delivery of miR-145 and show that they stabilize vascular structures and prevent further deterioration of the aorta in mouse models of the disease.
- Chen Xu
- , Yanzhenzi Zhang
- & Fu-Jian Xu
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| Open AccessNIR-light-mediated spatially selective triggering of anti-tumor immunity via upconversion nanoparticle-based immunodevices
The use of immunotherapy can be limited by adverse side effects. In this study, the authors designed a nanodevice that spatiotemporally controlled activate immunomodulatory agents at the tumour site upon near-infrared light triggering, thus preventing systemic toxicity with maintained efficacy
- Hongqian Chu
- , Jian Zhao
- & Lele Li
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Article
| Open AccessThe viral protein corona directs viral pathogenesis and amyloid aggregation
The protein corona around artificial nanoparticles is known to influence activity and biological fate, the formation around viruses is less well understood. Here, the authors observe the formation of protein corona on viruses and study the effects this corona has on viral infectivity and on amyloid protein assembly.
- Kariem Ezzat
- , Maria Pernemalm
- & Samir EL Andaloussi
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| Open AccessAlbumin tailoring fluorescence and photothermal conversion effect of near-infrared-II fluorophore with aggregation-induced emission characteristics
There is a balance between the fluorescence and photothermal properties of fluorescent molecules. Here, the authors report on an NIR-II fluorophore which binds with human serum albumin changing the equilibrium, increasing the photothermal efficiency, and demonstrate application of this for tumour ablation.
- Shuai Gao
- , Guoguang Wei
- & Wei Lu
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Article
| Open AccessSuppression of a broad spectrum of liver autoimmune pathologies by single peptide-MHC-based nanomedicines
Immune response against tissue-specific antigens is a hallmark of autoimmunity. Here the authors show that a single autoantigen-based nanomedicine can ameliorate pathology in a broad range of liver autoimmunity models without impairing host defenses, suggesting organ-wide tolerization.
- Channakeshava Sokke Umeshappa
- , Santiswarup Singha
- & Pere Santamaria
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| Open AccessNanopore blockade sensors for ultrasensitive detection of proteins in complex biological samples
Nanopore sensors have long analysis times when analytes are at low concentration and non-specific signals in complex media. Here the authors use antibody-modified magnetic nanoparticles to detect prostate-specific antigen at sub-femtomolar concentrations in blood.
- Kyloon Chuah
- , Yanfang Wu
- & J. Justin Gooding
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| Open AccessA generic approach towards afterglow luminescent nanoparticles for ultrasensitive in vivo imaging
Afterglow luminescence is used to reduce background noise and increase sensitivity; however, biocompatible afterglow materials are limited. Here, the authors report on an approach to turn standard optical agents into afterglow nanoparticles and demonstrate the application in tumour imagining in vivo.
- Yuyan Jiang
- , Jiaguo Huang
- & Kanyi Pu
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| Open AccessDNA-enabled rational design of fluorescence-Raman bimodal nanoprobes for cancer imaging and therapy
Currently available Raman scanners are limited in speed to acquire images of clinically relevant sizes in cancer imaging. Here, the authors developed a DNA based design principle for Raman-Fluorescence bimodal nanoparticles and demonstrate real-time, high precision image-guided tumor resections and photothermal ablation of cancer.
- Suchetan Pal
- , Angana Ray
- & Moritz F. Kircher
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| Open AccessImmunostimulatory nanomedicines synergize with checkpoint blockade immunotherapy to eradicate colorectal tumors
Nanoparticles can stimulate tumour microenvironment to promote anti-tumour immunity. Here, the authors show that the combination of delivering drugs by a nanoscale coordination polymer and anti-PD-L1 is synergistic in treating murine colorectal cancer.
- Xiaopin Duan
- , Christina Chan
- & Wenbin Lin
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Article
| Open AccessSpatiotemporal control of coacervate formation within liposomes
The understanding of liquid-liquid phase separation is crucial to cell biology and benefits from cell-mimicking in vitro assays. Here, the authors develop a microfluidic platform to study coacervate formation inside liposomes and show the potential of these hybrid systems to create synthetic cells.
- Siddharth Deshpande
- , Frank Brandenburg
- & Cees Dekker
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| Open AccessNanomechanical DNA resonators for sensing and structural analysis of DNA-ligand complexes
Intercalating molecules can significantly change the conformation of DNA. Here, the authors fabricated resonators fully composed of DNA forming bundles between microfabricated pillars to study the vibration property of the DNA bundles with/without intercalant molecules.
- Stefano Stassi
- , Monica Marini
- & Enzo Di Fabrizio
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| Open AccessMiniaturised interaction proteomics on a microfluidic platform with ultra-low input requirements
Affinity purification-mass spectrometry (AP-MS) can identify endogenous protein interactions but the need for high amounts of input material still limits its applicability. Here, the authors present a microfluidic-based AP-MS workflow that can capture protein interactions from 50─100-fold less input material than conventional approaches.
- Cristina Furlan
- , René A. M. Dirks
- & Michiel Vermeulen
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| Open AccessA temporary indwelling intravascular aphaeretic system for in vivo enrichment of circulating tumor cells
Ex vivo methods of circulating tumor cell (CTC) isolation use small blood volumes, limiting sensitivity and introducing analytical inaccuracies. The authors describe a proof-of-concept study of an in vivo aphaeresis system that continuously collects CTCs from a peripheral vein over several hours.
- Tae Hyun Kim
- , Yang Wang
- & Daniel F. Hayes
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| Open AccessDirecting curli polymerization with DNA origami nucleators
Curli are bacterial functional amyloids that have gained interest as self-assembling biomaterial for biotechnology applications. Here, the authors show that DNA origami decorated with CsgB nucleator proteins induced the site-specific nucleation and subsequent fibrillization of CsgA proteins.
- Xiuhai Mao
- , Ke Li
- & Chao Zhong
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Article
| Open AccessContractile forces in platelet aggregates under microfluidic shear gradients reflect platelet inhibition and bleeding risk
Platelet aggregates generate contractile forces that contribute to their cohesion and adhesion. Here, Ting et al. develop a microfluidic device to measure contractile forces generated by platelet aggregates, and find it can detect the response of platelets to pharmacological agents and predict bleeding risk in trauma patients.
- Lucas H. Ting
- , Shirin Feghhi
- & Nathan J. Sniadecki
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Article
| Open AccessLabel-free detection of conformational changes in switchable DNA nanostructures with microwave microfluidics
Methods to study conformational changes in biomolecules are limited in resolution and require labelling or other modifications of target analytes. Here the authors present a label-free, microwave microfluidic approach to detect conformational changes of DNA nanostructures based on ionic conductivity.
- Angela C. Stelson
- , Minghui Liu
- & James C. Booth
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Article
| Open AccessSubtyping of circulating exosome-bound amyloid β reflects brain plaque deposition
Detecting Alzheimer’s disease from blood samples is challenging because amyloid β blood levels are lower than the ELISA detection limit. Here the authors capture amyloid β bound to circulating exosomes on a plasmonic nanosensor, followed by enzymatic amplification to improve detection sensitivity.
- Carine Z. J. Lim
- , Yan Zhang
- & Huilin Shao
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Article
| Open AccessBioengineered bacterial vesicles as biological nano-heaters for optoacoustic imaging
Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are increasingly used as carriers for drug delivery. Here the authors encapsulate biopolymer melanin into OMVs, extending their use to optoacoustic imaging both in vitro and in vivo, and demonstrate the potential of this tool for photothermal therapy applications.
- Vipul Gujrati
- , Jaya Prakash
- & Vasilis Ntziachristos
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Article
| Open AccessMultispectral optoacoustic imaging of dynamic redox correlation and pathophysiological progression utilizing upconversion nanoprobes
Reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species are involved in key physiological processes and their balance is altered in various human diseases. Here the authors develop near-infrared upconversion nanoprobes to screen ROS/RNS dynamics simultaneously by multispectral optoacoustic imaging in vivo.
- Xiangzhao Ai
- , Zhimin Wang
- & Bengang Xing
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Article
| Open AccessBio-inspired nitric-oxide-driven nanomotor
Depletion of propellant in chemical-fuel-driven nanomotors is a limiting factor in device design and application. Here, the authors create a nitric-oxide-generating nanoparticle and explore cellular uptake and application of the nanomotors in nitric oxide treatments.
- Mimi Wan
- , Huan Chen
- & Jian Shen
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Article
| Open AccessFraC nanopores with adjustable diameter identify the mass of opposite-charge peptides with 44 dalton resolution
Using Fragaceatoxin C nanopores to study peptides below 1.6 kDa is challenging. Here the authors demonstrate that nanopores can be engineered to different sizes to detect a range of peptide lengths below the previous resolution limit, and show that the mass of a peptide can be identified by ionic current blockades.
- Gang Huang
- , Arnout Voet
- & Giovanni Maglia
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| Open AccessSingle gold-bridged nanoprobes for identification of single point DNA mutations
The identification of single point mutations is an important step toward personalizing detection and treatment. Here the authors design a gold-bridged nanoparticle for sensing MutS affinities to point mutations, and compile an atlas of the affinity data for detecting BRCA1 mutations in cell lines.
- Xingyi Ma
- , Sojin Song
- & Sang Jun Sim
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Article
| Open AccessHigh-speed mechano-active multielectrode array for investigating rapid stretch effects on cardiac tissue
While strain is known to affect cardiac electrophysiology, experimental systems to interrogate the effect of rapid strain cycles on cardiac tissue are lacking. Here the authors introduce a multielectrode array that can induce rapid dynamic strain cycles on cardiomyocyte strands and see effects of strain amplitude but not strain rate on impulse conduction.
- Matthias Imboden
- , Etienne de Coulon
- & Stephan Rohr