A local redox cycling-based electrochemical (LRC-EC) chip device was used to investigate the relationship between cardiomyocyte differentiation from embryonic stem (ES) cells and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In the LRC-EC chip device, ring-type interdigitated array electrodes were incorporated at n × n measurement points with only 2n bonding pads for external connection. Microwells were also fabricated at each measurement point to trap cell aggregates. To differentiate ES cells into

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... iomyocytes, ES cells were three-dimensionally cultured to form simple and cystic embryoid bodies (EBs). ALP activity of these EBs was then detected using the LRC-EC chip device. The electrochemical responses for ALP activity decreased concurrently with the differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes, indicating that an LRC-EC chip device is useful for evaluating cell differentiation. 50 μ μm 50 μm 50 μm Calcein-AM PI Merge Figure 7. (Color online) Fluorescence images of the EBs. The EBs were treated with DMEM containing PAPP for 5 min and stained with Calcein-AM (green, viable cells) and propidium iodide (PI) (red, dead cells). Electrochemistry, 81(9), 682687 (2013)