Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40025549›Full record

ArticleBMC biomedical engineering2025

Development and application of a novel multi-channel in vitro electrical stimulator for cellular research.

Jorge R Cibrão, Miguel Armada, Marta F Lima, André Vidinha-Mira, Jonas Campos, Tiffany S Pinho, António J Salgado, Alar Ainla, Nuna A Silva

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC biomedical engineering, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
5citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

5 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Article
  2. Review
  3. Review
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  5. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Jorge R CibrãoLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal.
Miguel ArmadaLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal.
Marta F LimaLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal.
André Vidinha-MiraLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal.
Jonas CamposLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal.
Tiffany S PinhoLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal.
António J SalgadoLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal.
Alar AinlaInternational Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Braga, Portugal. alar.ainla@inl.int.
Nuna A SilvaLife and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal. nunosilva@med.uminho.pt.

Funding

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia UIDB/50026/2020'la Caixa' Foundation HR23-00484Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa MC-18-2021Wings for Life WFL-PT-14/23
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundExposure to electric fields affects cell membranes impacting their potential and altering cellular excitability, nerve transmission, or muscle contraction. Furthermore, electric stimulation influences cell communication, migration, proliferation, and differentiation, with potential therapeutic applications. In vitro platforms for electrical stimulation are valuable tools for studying these effects and advancing medical research. In this study, we developed and tested a novel multi-channel in vitro electrical stimulator designed for cellular applications. The device aims to facilitate research on the effects of electrical stimulation (ES) on cellular processes, providing a versatile platform that is easy to reproduce and implement in various laboratory settings.

methodsThe stimulator was designed to be simple, cost-effective, and versatile, fitting on standard 12-well plates for parallel experimentation. Extensive testing was conducted to evaluate the performance of the stimulator, including 3D finite element modelling to analyse electric field distribution. Moreover, the stimulator was evaluated in vitro using neuronal and stem cell cultures.

resultsFinite element modelling confirmed that the electric field was sufficiently homogeneous within the stimulation zone, though liquid volume affected field strength. A custom controller was developed to program stimulation protocols, ensuring precise and adjustable current delivery up to 160 V/m. ES promoted neurite outgrowth when applied to SH-SY5Y neural cells or to primary spinal cord-derived cells. In human neuronal progenitor cells (hNPCs), ES enhanced neurite growth as well as differentiation into neurons. In adipose stem cells (ASCs), ES altered the secretome, enriching it in molecules that promoted hNPC differentiation into neurons without enhancing neurite growth.

conclusionsOur results highlight the potential of this multi-channel electrical stimulator as a valuable tool for advancing the understanding of ES mechanisms and its therapeutic applications. The simplicity and adaptability of this novel platform make it a promising addition to the toolkit of researchers studying electrical stimulation in cellular models.

Indexed as

Cellular differentiationElectrical stimulationIn vitro stimulatorNeurite outgrowthSpinal cord injury

Identifiers

PMID40025549
PMCPMC11874659

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.