Integration of functional myotubes with a Bio-MEMS device for non-invasive interrogation

Abstract

We have developed a biological micro-electromechanical system (Bio-MEMS) device consisting of surface-modified microfabricated silicon cantilevers and an AFM detection apparatus for the study of cultured myotubes. With this system we are able to selectively stimulate the myotubes as well as report on a variety of physiological properties of the myotubes in real time and in a high-throughput manner. This system will serve as the foundation for future work integrating multiple tissue types for the creation of Bio-MEMS analogues of complex tissues and biological circuits.