Self-organized 3D bridging of cardiomyocytes toward creation of ultra small cell-driven pumps integrated in microstructure

Abstract

We investigated the self-organized bridging phenomenon of cardiomyocytes in microgroove structure. Cardiomyocytes formed several bridges inside the microgrooves. The bridging tissues were completely apart from the bottom of microgroove, and surprisingly, the both edges were connecting to the microgroove walls at middle heights. Bridging of cardiomyocytes was most observed when the groove aspect ratio is around 1 regardless of the depth of the microgrooves, suggesting that cell-generated force has a major role in bridge formation. Our semi-quantitative observation gives an insight to the self tissue organization process in microstructures and would be useful criterion to design ultra small bio-micropumps.