Author(s) :

Junting Zhao, Richard Qiang Hao.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Induced pluripotent stem cells -derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) increasingly become an important tool for studying genetic heart diseases, drug screening and heart cell therapy. However, iPSC-CMs differentiated by the traditional ways are immature and the challenge of producing fully matured iPSC-CMs that functionally resemble adult cardiomyocytes persists. Immature iPSC-CMs exhibit characteristics typical of fetal-stage cells, including less developed contractility, electrophysiological properties, and metabolic processes. These limitations restrict their clinical applications, especially in regenerative medicine. Over the past decade, numerous strategies have been developed to enhance the maturation of iPSC-CMs. These include prolonged culture periods, biochemical induction using specific hormones and energy substrates, and the application of biophysical stimuli such as electrical and mechanical stimulation. In addition, advances in biomaterials, such as extracellular matrices and hydrogels, have been crucial in replicating the physiological environment needed to support iPSC-CM development. Together, these methods aim to produce cardiomyocytes that more closely mimic adult heart cells in structure and function. This review explores recent progress in optimizing the maturation of iPSC-CMs and highlights their potential impact on future applications in cell therapy and heart disease modeling.