Microfabrication of three-dimensional nanoelectrodes for heart-on-a-chip systems

Abstract

Myocardial cells are electrically active cells that produce a voltage pulse with every contraction. The key to record this so-called action potential with a high signal-to-noise ratio is to bring the measurement electrode as close as possible to the cell surface. This work will investigate the potential of different nanofabrication approaches to produce three-dimensional electrodes for myocardial cells. The focus will be on the focused electron beam induced deposition of nanopillar electrodes. The mechanical stability and suitability as growth substrate for heart muscle cells will be studied. The results of this work may contribute to novel biochips for medical and pharmaceutical applications.