202 Cell and Material Interface
paired carbon electrodes within each chamber. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were
encapsulated in collagen type I hydrogel and then injected within each microwell
for subsequent experimental analysis. Following cell culture for 3days, electrical
and mechanical stimulation in individual and combinatorial settings were applied to
the micro-tissues for duration of 3days. Cyclic mechanical stretch in combination
with electrical stimulation signicantly enhanced sarcomere and troponin-T expres-
sion throughout the tissues as compared to individualized stimulation conditions.
Furthermore, the contractility of the microtissues was promoted in the presence of
coupled electrical and mechanical stimulations (Miklas etal. ...