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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.02.13.705576

Potassium-Selective Nanoelectrode Arrays for Single-Cell Profiling of human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Meganathan, D. P.·Banzon, R.·Casanova, A.·Sarikhani, E.·Mahato, K.·Vu, H.·Reade, S.·Ambika Devarajan, I.·Tahir, A.·Sasi, L.·Spain, L.·Wang, J.·Jahed, Z.
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Abstract

Potassium ion (K) dynamics are central to cardiac electrophysiology, with early disruptions in K flux often preceding arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction. However, current sensing technologies, such as patch-clamp, Microelectrode arrays (MEAs), and fluorescent indicators, either lack chemical specificity for K or are unsuitable for long-term, single-cell analysis. Conventional ion-selective electrodes (ISEs), while more selective, are limited by bulk-phase design and poor spatial resolution. To address these limitations, we present KINESIS (K-Ion Nano-Electrode Selective Interface System), a nanofabricated, cell-compliant platform that enables direct, label-free potentiometric measurement of K gradients with subcellular precision. KINESIS features high-aspect-ratio nanopillars coated with a valinomycin-based K recognition membrane, forming a stable, non-invasive interface with human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). This architecture allows localized, Nernstian sensing of K efflux or depletion without disrupting cell membranes. Pharmacological validation shows distinct potential shifts in response to caffeine and ouabain. KINESIS thus offers a highly selective, spatially resolved approach for studying K handling in cardiotoxicity screening and patient-specific disease modeling.

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Meganathan, D. P., Banzon, R., Casanova, A., Sarikhani, E., Mahato, K., Vu, H., Reade, S., Ambika Devarajan, I., Tahir, A., Sasi, L., Spain, L., Wang, J., Jahed, Z.. 2026-02-18. Potassium-Selective Nanoelectrode Arrays for Single-Cell Profiling of human iPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.02.13.705576

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