Innate Immune Activation and Mitochondrial ROS Invoke Persistent Cardiac Conduction System Dysfunction after COVID-19.

Background: Cardiac risk rises during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and in long COVID syndrome in humans, but the mechanisms behind COVID-19-linked arrhythmias are unknown. This study explores the acute and long term effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the cardiac conduction system (CCS) in a hamster model of COVID-19.

Methods: Radiotelemetry in conscious animals was used to non-invasively record electrocardiograms and subpleural pressures after intranasal SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Microphysiological Models of Lung Epithelium-Alveolar Macrophage Co-Cultures to Study Chronic Lung Disease.

The interactions between immune cells and epithelial cells influence the progression of many respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In vitro models allow for the examination of cells in controlled environments. However, these models lack the complex 3D architecture and vast multicellular interactions between the lung resident cells and infiltrating immune cells that can mediate cellular response to insults.

NanoIEA: A Nanopatterned Interdigitated Electrode Array-Based Impedance Assay for Real-Time Measurement of Aligned Endothelial Cell Barrier Functions.

A nanopatterned interdigitated electrode array (nanoIEA)-based impedance assay is developed for quantitative real-time measurement of aligned endothelial cell (EC) barrier functions in vitro. A bioinspired poly(3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine) (poly (l-DOPA)) coating is applied to improve the human brain EC adhesion onto the Nafion nanopatterned surfaces. It is found that a poly (l-DOPA)-coated Nafion grooved nanopattern makes the human brain ECs orient along the nanopattern direction.

Sensitivity enhancement of an impedance-based cellular biosensor by a nanopatterned PEDOT:Nafion interface.

A nanopatterned poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT):Nafion composite layer integrated with interdigitated electrodes was developed to improve the device dynamic range and sensitivity for cellular impedance spectroscopy. The nanopattern fidelity to provide cellular alignment was accessed at different mixing volumes of PEDOT to Nafion. The ion transfer rate and electrical conductivity of Nafion were improved as the mixing ratio of PEDOT increased and it provided a uniform electrical path, thus giving conformable characteristics at all spectral frequencies from 1 kHz to 100 kHz for cellular impedance spectroscopy.

Aging-related structural change in 3D extracellular matrix affects its mechanics.

Aging induces marked alterations in the structural, mechanical, and transport properties in the extracellular matrix (ECM). To provide computational data on the impact of aging-related changes on ECM mechanical quantities and transport properties, we developed a computational model for the aging-related ECM fibrous network. A finite volume method was utilized to calculate the velocity field, pressure loss, hydraulic conductivity and drag force.

Dry tDCS: Tolerability of a novel multilayer hydrogel composite non-adhesive electrode for transcranial direct current stimulation.

Background: The adoption of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is encouraged by portability and ease-of-use. However, the preparation of tDCS electrodes remains the most cumbersome and error-prone step. Here, we validate the performance of the first "dry" electrodes for tDCS.

Soft network composite materials with deterministic and bio-inspired designs.

Hard and soft structural composites found in biology provide inspiration for the design of advanced synthetic materials. Many examples of bio-inspired hard materials can be found in the literature; far less attention has been devoted to soft systems. Here we introduce deterministic routes to low-modulus thin film materials with stress/strain responses that can be tailored precisely to match the non-linear properties of biological tissues, with application opportunities that range from soft biomedical devices to constructs for tissue engineering.

Rugged and breathable forms of stretchable electronics with adherent composite substrates for transcutaneous monitoring.

Research in stretchable electronics involves fundamental scientific topics relevant to applications with importance in human healthcare. Despite significant progress in active components, routes to mechanically robust construction are lacking. Here, we introduce materials and composite designs for thin, breathable, soft electronics that can adhere strongly to the skin, with the ability to be applied and removed hundreds of times without damaging the devices or the skin, even in regions with substantial topography and coverage of hair.