In this study, we introduce mushroom-shaped PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) micropillar arrays to enhance the contractile force of cardiomyocytes during cell culturing. Traditional flat-surfaced micropillar arrays served as a control to compare and validate the improved performance of the mushroom-shaped PDMS arrays. Cardiomyocytes from experimental animals were cultured on both types of micropillar arrays and monitored over time. A custom-built analysis system precisely measured the deflections of the micropillars, reflecting the contractile force of the cardiomyocytes. The mushroom-shaped PDMS micropillar arrays demonstrated a 20% increase in contractile force compared to the conventional ones, owing to their unique topography. Preliminary results also indicated that these arrays positively influence the Z-band width, actin filament polymerization, and focal adhesion of cardiomyocytes. Enhanced performance was further validated by measuring the cardiac sarcomere α-actin length and myofilament width using immunocytochemistry staining and western blot experiments.-Scientific Journal cover design by scapiens

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0927776518307562