Analysis of skeletal muscle’s primary function using 2D cell culture is problematic as muscle fibers cannot contract effectively when bound to a surface. Our team are therefore utilizing biopolymer scaffolds to engineer 3D tissues that contract under stimulation. These scaffolds are suspended between posts that bend towards each other as the cells contract. By embedding magnets in the tips of these posts, we use GMR sensors to monitor post deflection and calculate the level of force required to produce this movement. In this way, we are able to directly monitor the development of contractile ability in engineered muscle tissues. We are currently using this technology to investigate the functional impact of a wide array of mutations known to cause muscle diseases, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and distal arthrogryposis syndrome.
