Topographical and Functional Insights into Silicon Carbide Semiconductive Nanowires Interactions with Human Atrial Cardiomyocytes and Rat Cardiac Tissue: Implications for Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent cardiac arrhythmia that remains challenging to treat, as current therapies often fail long-term and can damage cardiac tissue. Emerging nanotechnology approaches, particularly silicon carbide nanowires (SiC-NWs), offer a promising alternative to modulate cardiac electrical activity. In this project, the interaction of SiC-NWs with human embryonic stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes (hESC-aCMs) was investigated in 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids, using high-throughput functional screening (LOKI) and high-resolution imaging (OPM, SICM). SiC-NWs integrated with cell membranes and cytoplasm without affecting contractility, while increasing membrane stiffness (Young’s modulus 1073 → 1292 Pa). Preliminary in vivo experiments in aged rats with induced AF showed that SiC-NWs reduced arrhythmic episodes (AF duration 8805 → 660 ms) without compromising electrical stability. Overall, SiC-NWs improved intercellular coupling and reduced arrhythmogenic heterogeneity, highlighting their potential as a nanomaterial-based therapy for AF, warranting further investigation in larger animal models and clinical settings.