Pulsed infrared radiation leads to synchronous contraction in stem cell derived cardiomyocytes

Adult stem cell derived cardiomyocyte research has been limited by the inability of these cells to fully mature into fully functioning cardiomyocytes. Although these cells exhibit correct gene expression and protein production, they do not spontaneously contract as seen in vivo. Several methods are currently being investigated to stimulate the contraction of these cells in vitro. We investigated a method which uses pulsed infrared radiation (IR) to induce contraction. Through a mitochondrial calcium flux we were able to induce contraction in these cells. Although successful in stimulating contraction, the location of calcium release and absence of continuous contraction has led us to believe that a more physiological method of stimulating these cells is required for future studies.