Related Experiment Videos
In vitro engineering of heart muscle: artificial myocardial tissue
T Kofidis1, P Akhyari, J Boublik
1Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery and Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs, Hannover Medical School, Germany. kofidis@thg.mh-hannover.de
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|July 2, 2002
Summary
Researchers engineered artificial myocardial tissue from cardiomyocytes and collagen, demonstrating sustained contractions and resembling native cardiac tissue. This engineered tissue offers a potential alternative to whole organ transplantation for heart failure patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Heart failure following myocardial infarction is a leading cause of death globally.
- Artificial myocardial tissue transplantation presents a potential therapeutic strategy.
- This approach could serve as an alternative to whole organ transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer contractile artificial myocardial tissue in vitro.
- To assess the mechanical and biological properties of the engineered tissue.
- To evaluate its potential for treating cardiac tissue degeneration.
Main Methods:
- Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were seeded onto a 3D collagen matrix.
- Cellular engraftment, force development, and electrocardiograms were analyzed.
- Tissue function was assessed after stretching and pharmacologic stimulation.
Main Results:
- Engineered tissues exhibited continuous, synchronized contractions for up to 13 weeks.
- Cardiomyocytes were uniformly distributed within the collagen matrix.
- Force development increased with stimulation (Ca2+, epinephrine, electrical, stretching); physiologic ECG patterns were observed.
Conclusions:
- Contractile artificial myocardial tissue can be successfully engineered in vitro using a collagen matrix.
- The engineered tissue possesses mechanical and biological properties similar to native cardiac tissue.
- Artificial myocardial tissues represent a promising therapeutic option for degenerated or failing cardiac conditions.