Development of a Novel Electroactive Cardiac Patch Based on Carbon Nanofibers and Gelatin Encouraging Vascularization

Tissue engineering makes it possible to fabricate scaffolds that can help the function of defective tissues or even the most complex organs such as the heart. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs), because of their high mechanical strength and electrical properties, can improve the functional coupling of cardiomyocytes and their electrophysiological properties. In this study, electroactive CNF/gelatin (Gel) nanofibrous cardiac patches were prepared by an electrospinning method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation of prepared scaffolds showed randomly oriented nanofibers. The electrical conductivity of the CNF/Gel scaffolds was assessed by a four-probe device and was in the semiconducting range (~ 10^-5 S/m). The result of an MTT assay confirmed the excellent biocompatibility of electroactive CNF/Gel scaffolds. Also, CNF-containing scaffolds supported cardiomyocyte adhesion and increased expression of the cardiac genes including TrpT-2, Actn4, and Conx43 compared with the non-conductive counterpart. Our findings also confirmed the angiogenic potential of CNF/Gel scaffolds as compatible and electroactive platforms for cardiac tissue engineering.