Scalable Nanoedge Interfaces for Robust Intracellular Electrophysiology in Cardiomyocytes

Electrophysiology, as a functional feature of cardiomyocytes, is crucial to cardiac disease research. Over the decades, new strategies for electrophysiological recordings have led to notable advances in studying the electrogenic cells and their networks. Although advanced three-dimensional micro/nanodevices achieve reliable intracellular recordings, the manufacture of low-cost devices, such as planar ones, remains a challenge. Hence, we develop a cost-effective nanoedge-enhanced electroporation (NEEE) device to achieve high-quality intracellular recordings. The NEEE device is compatible with large-scale microfabrication and features a scalable well-array structure. The nanoedges of wells facilitate tight cell-electrode coupling and enhance electroporation, which improve electrophysiological recordings. Furthermore, the dimensions of the nanoedges can be regulated to optimize the cell-electrode interface and the electroporation effect for high-quality and long-term intracellular recordings. This study indicates that the NEEE device can significantly improve intracellular recordings via geometry regulation of the biointerface and can pave a unique avenue for cardiac electrophysiology.