Value Proposition:
· Device solely focused on stimulation
· Increased relevance: stimulation increases physiological relevance of cellular models
· Increased throughput: compatible with commercial 24-well plates to increase cost and time efficiency
· Increased consistency: stimulation applied simultaneously across all wells
Technology Description
Researchers at Johns Hopkins and Loyola University, Chicago have developed a multiplexed, exogenous stimulator compatible with commercially available 24-well plates. It applies a consistent and simultaneous electrical stimulation to cells plated at the bottom of each of the 24 wells, without disruption to the cellular environment. The design provides a logistic improvement over current strategies, allowing for increased throughput, sterility, and consistency.
Unmet Need
In vivo cellular models often fail to fully recapitulate in vitro physiologic conditions. For cellular models of cardiomyocytes, controlled and consistent electrical stimulation can improve relevance and accuracy of the model for pre-clinical applications. Current strategies for stimulation rely on complex, low throughput, highly-custom and costly strategies, such as microelectrode arrays. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop an exogenous electrical stimulation device that improves standardization, throughput, and relevance of in vitro pre-clinical studies.
Stage of Development
· Two functional prototypes have been validated.
· Looking for partners to further develop and commercialize the device as a tool for cardiology and neuroscience research.
Publication
N/A
