Agenda

MSc ME Thesis Presentation

Optimization of Integrated Capacitive Displacement Sensors for Contractility Assays in an Engineered Heart Tissue Platform

Thomas Bouman

Abstract. Heart diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, which is why heart diseases have become an important focus for the development of new effective treatments. However, the current drug development pipeline is fraught with inefficiencies, ethical concerns, and financial burdens, largely due to the reliance on animal models and static cell cultures that often fail to accurately predict human physiological responses. Building on previous work from Dr. Dostanic, this master’s thesis advances the development of a novel Engineered Heart Tissue (EHT) platform, which holds promise as a more accurate and ethical research model for studying biological processes, drug discovery, and heart disease mechanisms. The EHT platform is a small PDMS-based construction and consists of two micropillars surrounded by an elliptic well. It also features co-planar capacitive displacement sensors, specifically designed to measure the contraction force of EHTs. This master thesis work focuses on optimizing sensor sensitivity and enhancing platform rigidity to prevent sensor damage during assembly of the platform. Using COMSOL Multiphysics simulations, ideal sensor geometries and substrate configurations were identified, leading to the design and fabrication of multiple sensor prototypes. The sensors were fabricated using microfabrication techniques and electrically characterized under static and dynamic conditions. While static capacitance measurements aligned with simulations, dynamic tests revealed discrepancies between predicted and observed capacitance changes, indicating the need for further investigation into simulation accuracy and fabrication processes. Despite these challenges, the sensors showed promise by successfully measuring platform displacement in response to applied forces. However, the platform’s sensitivity must be improved in order to detect EHT contraction. With continued advancements, this platform could contribute to the development of more precise and ethical research models, ultimately accelerating the development of new treatments and providing an alternative for the use of animals in research.

Overview of MSc ME Thesis Presentation