The optical fiber-based technology that Optics11 Life is applying for contractile force sensing of skeletal muscle-on-a-chip opens an entire next level at which basic, applied and clinical research will be performed.

Cuore is a wonderful, easy to use system to make stem cell-derived engineered heart preparations and continuously monitor contractility. I anticipate that we will be able to use Cuore for future high throughput studies testing effectiveness of compounds and metabolic stressors. As such the system will be key to better understand cellular pathomechanisms involved in heart disease.

Through my work on cardiac disease modelling with pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC's), I see an emergent need for massive parallel end-to-end force testing technology on engineered heart tissue. This will enable more accurate phenotyping and more effective drug targeting during early drug development. Optics11 Life’s fiber sensing technology is uniquely qualified to offer a powerful solution.

Using the Cuore was a step-up for our muscle-on-chip research. Thanks to its accuracy, ease to use and integration we maximised the data production from our experiments.

In our group, we work on 3D muscle-on-a-chip models for FSHD. Now, with the help of the Cuore from Optics11 Life, we are enhancing the development of our 3D muscles using automated training protocols. We are excited to see what the future will bring with the Cuore!