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Updated: Apr 10, 2026
Author Spotlight: Real-Time Measurements of Calcium and Contractility Parameters in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes
Published on: May 26, 2023
Automated multi-parameter measurement of cardiomyocytes dynamics with digital holographic microscopy
Abstract:
Compounds tested during drug development may have adverse effects on the heart; therefore all new chemical entities have to undergo extensive preclinical assessment for cardiac liability. Conventional intensity-based imaging techniques are not robust enough to provide detailed information for cell structure and the captured images result in low-contrast, especially to cell with semi-transparent or transparent feature, which would affect the cell analysis. In this paper we show, for the first time, that digital holographic microscopy (DHM) integrated with information processing algorithms automatically provide dynamic quantitative phase profiles of beating cardiomyocytes. We experimentally demonstrate that relevant parameters of cardiomyocytes can be obtained by our automated algorithm based on DHM phase signal analysis and used to characterize the physiological state of resting cardiomyocytes. Our study opens the possibility of automated quantitative analysis of cardiomyocyte dynamics suitable for further drug safety testing and compounds selection as a new paradigm in drug toxicity screens.
Insights
Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) offers a new method for analyzing cardiomyocyte function during drug safety testing. This technique provides dynamic, quantitative phase profiles for improved cell analysis and drug toxicity screening.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Preclinical assessment of cardiac liability is crucial for new chemical entities.
- Conventional imaging techniques lack detail and contrast for transparent cell structures.
- Accurate analysis of cardiomyocyte function is vital for drug safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce digital holographic microscopy (DHM) for quantitative analysis of cardiomyocytes.
- To demonstrate automated analysis of cardiomyocyte dynamics for drug screening.
- To establish DHM as a new paradigm in drug toxicity testing.
Main Methods:
- Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) was integrated with information processing algorithms.
- Automated algorithms analyzed dynamic quantitative phase profiles of beating cardiomyocytes.
- Physiological states of resting cardiomyocytes were characterized using DHM phase signals.
Main Results:
- DHM successfully provided dynamic quantitative phase profiles of cardiomyocytes.
- Relevant cardiomyocyte parameters were obtained through automated DHM signal analysis.
- The method enabled characterization of the physiological state of resting cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions:
- DHM offers a robust, automated method for quantitative analysis of cardiomyocyte dynamics.
- This approach enhances drug safety testing and compound selection.
- DHM presents a novel paradigm for drug toxicity screening.
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