Microphysiological stem cell models of the human heart

Abstract

Models of heart disease and drug responses are increasingly based on human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) since their ability to capture human heart (dys-)function is often better than animal models. Simple monolayer cultures of hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, however, have shortcomings. Some of these can be overcome using more complex, multi cell-type models in 3D. Here we review modalities that address this, describe efforts to tailor readouts and sensors for monitoring tissue- and cell physiology (exogenously and in situ) and discuss perspectives for implementation in industry and academia.

Keywords

• Human induced pluripotent stem cells
• Cardiac microtissue
• Engineered heart tissue
• Heart-on-chip
• Cardiomyocyte maturation
• Multicellular cell diseases and drug efficacy platform