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Development and characterization of a suturable biomimetic patch for cardiac applications
Elisabetta Rosellini1,2, Luigi Lazzeri1,2, Simona Maltinti1
1Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering (DICI), University of Pisa, Largo Lucio Lazzarino, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
|November 16, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed a reinforced biomimetic scaffold for cardiac tissue repair. This new patch, made from alginate and gelatin with a polycaprolactone mesh, offers improved suturing strength while supporting cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Natural extracellular matrix (ECM) is primarily composed of polysaccharides and proteins.
- Alginate-gelatin sponges show promise as cardiac ECM substitutes but lack sufficient suturing properties.
- Reinforcement is necessary to enhance the mechanical integrity of biomimetic scaffolds for myocardial tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a suturable biomimetic patch for myocardial tissue engineering.
- To improve the mechanical properties, specifically suturability, of alginate-gelatin scaffolds.
- To create a scaffold that integrates a synthetic reinforcement within a natural-like matrix.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a reinforcing mesh using dry spinning of polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers in superimposed, rotated layers.
- Integration of the PCL mesh into the center of alginate-gelatin sponges using a custom-designed mold.
- Characterization of the mesh, reinforced scaffold, and their integration, including water absorption, stability, suturing resistance, cytotoxicity, and cell proliferation assays.
Main Results:
- A perfect integration was observed between the PCL mesh and the alginate-gelatin sponge.
- The reinforced scaffold exhibited reduced water absorption but maintained hydrophilicity comparable to cardiac tissue.
- The reinforced scaffold demonstrated significantly enhanced suturing resistance compared to unreinforced scaffolds and human arteries.
- The PCL mesh was non-cytotoxic, and the reinforced scaffold supported cardiomyocyte adhesion and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Reinforcing alginate-gelatin sponges with a PCL microfiber mesh successfully enhances suturability for myocardial tissue engineering.
- The developed biomimetic patch offers a promising combination of mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and cell-supportive properties.
- This approach provides a viable strategy for creating functional cardiac ECM substitutes with improved handling characteristics.
