Bizonal cardiac engineered tissues with differential maturation features in a mid-throughput multimodal bioreactor.

Functional three-dimensional (3D) engineered cardiac tissue (ECT) models are essential for effective drug screening and biological studies. Application of physiological cues mimicking those typical of the native myocardium is known to promote the cardiac maturation and functionality . Commercially available bioreactors can apply one physical force type at a time and often in a restricted loading range.

Bioreactor Platform for Biomimetic Culture and Monitoring of the Mechanical Response of Engineered Models of Cardiac Tissue.

In the past two decades, relevant advances have been made in the generation of engineered cardiac constructs to be used as functional models for cardiac research or drug testing, and with the ultimate but still challenging goal of repairing the damaged myocardium. To support cardiac tissue generation and maturation , the application of biomimetic physical stimuli within dedicated bioreactors is crucial. In particular, cardiac-like mechanical stimulation has been demonstrated to promote development and maturation of cardiac tissue models.