Enhancing Cardiomyocyte Maturation via Mechanical Stimulation of 3D Printed Cardiac Tissue Using a Origami-based 3D Sensor and Magnetic Fields

Drug-induced cardiotoxicity remains a major obstacle in early drug development, underscoring the need for more advanced preclinical methods to identify cardiotoxic risks. Traditional in vitro cardiac models often fail to replicate the complex physiological characteristics of adult cardiomyocytes and rely heavily on image-based methods for contractility assessments, which can lack precision. In this study, we introduce a novel 3D sensor platform that integrates magnetic micro-rods and gold strain sensors on a polyimide substrate, forming a 3D structure through buckling assembly. This innovative system not only provides precise mechanical stimulation but also enables real-time monitoring of contractile forces in 3D cardiac tissues, significantly improving the fidelity and accuracy of cardiotoxicity screening. Evaluations of the system demonstrated its robustness and stability, while the incorporation of 3D bioprinting technology allowed for the direct cultivation of engineered cardiac tissues on the sensor, enhancing its applicability for preclinical testing and drug development.