PDMS-Encapsulated Crack Sensor Integrated with Silicon Rubber Cantilever for Use in Cell Culture Media

In this study, we propose a novel cantilever structure integrated with a high-sensitive and -reliable crack sensor that monitors the contractile behavior of cardiomyocytes in media. Si rubber with excellent performance in cell adhesiveness was used as the cantilever material. The proposed crack sensor formed on the Si rubber cantilever is chemically bonded with the PDMS thin layer to produce a sandwich structure. The protection layer greatly improves the reliability and stability of the crack sensor in the electrolyte solution. The high-sensitive crack sensor stably measures the contractility of cardiomyocytes without changing a gauge factor for up to 26 days.