MORE | Spring 2019

Utilizing Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Conjugated to Biocompatible Gold Nanorods to Enhance Synchronous Beating and Functional Characteristics Similar to in vivo Cardiac Tissue

Myocardial infarction (MI), also known as heart attack, is one of the main causes of death in the United States. Cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CM) are a potential strategy for repairing damage from MI. Electrically conductive nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide and siNWs, have been promising with improving adhesion and functional properties of scaffold free cardiomyocytes. However, these nanomaterials are limited in application due to their cytotoxicity. The goal of this research is to create HiPSC-CM spheroids conjugated with biocompatible gold nanorods that enhance synchronous beating with functional characteristics similar to in vivo tissue.