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. 2021 Feb 2;22(3):1479. doi: 10.3390/ijms22031479

Table 2.

Main approaches to functional assessment of ECT constructs.

Approach Advantages Disadvantages Ref.
Patch-clamp
  • -

    Direct recording of action potentials

  • -

    Ideal for recording isolated CMs
  • -

    Requires specialized equipment/personnel

  • -

    Requires direct cell visualization

  • -

    Not well suited for ECT constructs

 [217]
Multielectrode arrays
  • -

    Allows assessment of single CMs and ECT constructs

  • -

    Noninvasive method.

  • -

    Allows long-term recording
  • -

    Measurements restricted to small area of the ECT construct.

  • -

    Incomplete information of action potential propagation

 [59,108,217,218,219]
Optical mapping
  • -

    Allows assessment of CM monolayers and ECT constructs

  • -

    Noninvasive method

  • -

    Unsophisticated equipment
  • -

    Indirect measurement of electrophysiological parameters

  • -

    Cytotoxicity of dyes may limit measurement duration and preclude sample reassessment

 [29,35,39,48,55,118,220,221]
Force transducers
  • -

    Allows assessment of single CMs and ECT constructs

  • -

    Allows measuring direct and indirect contractile force

  • -

    Allows long-term measurements
  • -

    Unsuitable for assessing contractile stress from single CMs within ECT constructs

 [36,39,42,47,48,50,57,217]