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A Net Mold-based Method of Scaffold-free Three-Dimensional Cardiac Tissue Creation
Published on: August 5, 2018
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Modular assembly of thick multifunctional cardiac patches
Sharon Fleischer1, Assaf Shapira1, Ron Feiner1,2
1The Laboratory for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Science, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
Summary
This study presents a modular, bottom-up approach for cardiac tissue engineering, creating functional 3D cardiac patches with distinct layers for aligned tissue, vascularization, and drug delivery, showing promise for complex tissue regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac tissue engineering aims to create functional cardiac patches using cells and biomaterial scaffolds.
- Current methods face challenges in achieving complex, multi-layered structures with specific cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a modular, bottom-up approach for assembling multi-layered cardiac tissue constructs.
- To engineer cardiac patches with anisotropic electrical properties, integrated vascular networks, and controlled drug release capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of albumin electrospun fiber scaffolds with laser-patterned microgrooves and microchannels.
- Seeding of cardiac cells and endothelial cells for aligned tissue and lumen formation.
- Incorporation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticles for controlled release of VEGF or dexamethasone.
- Integration of layers using an ECM-based biological glue and subsequent transplantation in rats.
Main Results:
- Engineered aligned cardiac tissues exhibited anisotropic electrical signal propagation.
- Microchannels formed closed lumens, indicating successful endothelialization.
- PLGA microparticles facilitated controlled release of VEGF for vascularization or dexamethasone for anti-inflammatory effects.
- Assembled 3D cardiac patches demonstrated successful vascularization after transplantation in rats.
Conclusions:
- The modular, bottom-up approach enables the assembly of complex, multi-layered cardiac tissue constructs.
- This strategy allows for distinct structural and functional properties within different layers of the engineered tissue.
- The method holds potential for fabricating other multicellular, thick, 3D functional tissues for regenerative medicine applications.
