A team of scientists at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles has developed a miniature model of the human heart that can be used for experiments. The model, also known as the “heart on a chip,” is expected to play a crucial role in testing the safety of anti-cancer drugs, some of which pose a risk of damage to the heart during cancer treatment.
The main advantage of this new heart chip is the use of mature cells derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells. These cells are capable of contracting at a rate of approximately 60 beats per minute, closely resembling the functionality of a real human heart.
Researchers believe that the introduction of this heart chip can reduce the reliance on animal models in preclinical testing of drug cardiotoxicity. By simulating blood flow and mechanical movements of the heart in response to different drugs, scientists can predict potential toxic effects such as arrhythmia or cell death.
The heart chip is made of flexible silicone material called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Its design includes two parallel channels that allow the placement of heart cells (cardiomyocytes) and blood vessels (endothelial cells) separately, while still enabling interaction between them.
According to the study published in The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Lab on A Chip magazine, the heart chip has demonstrated consistent performance over several weeks. This longevity opens up possibilities for long-term studies on the effects of drugs and other factors on the heart.
The development of this heart chip marks a significant advancement in medical research, offering a more accurate and ethical alternative to animal models for testing drug toxicity. With further advancements in organ modeling technology, scientists hope to revolutionize the field of medical research and improve patient outcomes.