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Engineering 3D bio-artificial heart muscle: the acellular ventricular extracellular matrix model
Nikita M Patel1, Ze-Wei Tao, Mohamed A Mohamed
1From the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|September 24, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed a novel acellular ventricular extracellular matrix (AVEM) platform for heart failure. This tissue-engineered model shows promise as a future therapeutic option, overcoming limitations of current treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cardiovascular Engineering
Background:
- Current treatments for end-stage heart failure, such as mechanical assist devices and transplants, have significant limitations.
- A tissue-engineered solution is needed to overcome the challenges posed by existing heart failure therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a foundation for the fabrication and assess the preliminary viability of an acellular ventricular extracellular matrix (AVEM) model.
- To explore a novel therapeutic approach for left ventricular systolic dysfunction and heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of AVEM by culturing rat neonatal cardiac cells around an excised acellular ventricular segment.
- Assessment of contractile force and functional response (Frank-Starling relationship) under varying pretensions.
- Histologic evaluation to determine cell cohesion and adhesion within the AVEM.
Main Results:
- The fabricated AVEM model generated a maximum spontaneous contractile force of 388.3 μN.
- The AVEM demonstrated a functional Frank-Starling relationship, indicating physiological responsiveness.
- Histologic assessment confirmed cell cohesion and adhesion within the AVEM following passive cell seeding.
Conclusions:
- The acellular ventricular extracellular matrix (AVEM) model represents a viable foundation for a tissue-engineered cardiac therapy.
- This innovative platform shows potential to address limitations of current heart failure treatments.
- Further research into AVEM holds promise for advancing regenerative strategies in cardiovascular medicine.
