Integrate and boost: bioscaffolds nurture the cardiac regenerative paradigm

The traditional cardiac regenerative paradigm using non-modified adult stem cells with various routes of delivery into the myocardial target has thus far yielded unconvincing clinical outcomes. Besides factors related to heterogeneity in trial methodology, inter-patient variability and the rare incidence of adult stem cells with intrinsic repair potency underscore the importance of further optimization and standardization of regenerative platforms. Cardiac tissue engineering seizing upon the advances of cellular, molecular, and biomaterial development is shaping the next generation of the regenerative paradigm and thereby fostering disruptive curative treatments in heart failure.