Erica Zeglio

Electrode interfaces are fundamental tools to assess the complex functions of electrically active cells, mainly from the brain and heart. In vitro studies of human-relevant functional cells from these organs are essential for drug development and toxicology evaluations. Today, using stem cells and microengineering, we can create highly functional human heart and brain systems in the form of 3D cultures and 2.5 D Organ-on-Chip cultures. We have used such cultures both for high-throughput and chronic studies. However, classical electrophysiological methods are inherently low throughput and cannot be applied to these new in vitro formats, severely limiting their applicability. Our project aims to develop methods to improve and simplify in vitro electrophysiology for use in studies of functional neural and cardiac cultures in the 3D and Organ-on-Chip format. We base our development on organic electronics and conjugated polymers due to their mixed electronic/ionic conductivity and suitable physiochemical properties. Our approach here is to combine our latest, best-performing polymer materials with state-of-the-art rapid 3D microfabrication and assembly of microstructures. We will develop novel device configurations with ideal sensitivity, ionic and interface interactions, and form factors for assessing 2.5D and 3D electroactivity in Organ-on-Chip and 3D cultures.