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Published on: June 14, 2015
Fabrication and characterization of carbon aerogel/poly(glycerol-sebacate) patches for cardiac tissue engineering
Abdulraheem M N Atya1, Atakan Tevlek1, Muhannad Almemar1
1Bioengineering Division, Institute of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for the major number of deaths around the world. Among these is heart failure after myocardial infarction whose latest therapeutic methods are limited to slowing the end-state progression. Numerous strategies have been developed to meet the increased demand for therapies regarding CVDs. This study aimed to establish a novel electrically conductive elastomer-based composite and assess its potential as a cardiac patch for myocardial tissue engineering. The electrically conductive carbon aerogels (CAs) used in this study were derived from waste paper as a cost-effective carbon source and they were combined with the biodegradable poly(glycerol-sebacate) (PGS) elastomer to obtain an electrically conductive cardiac patch material. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report about the conductive composites obtained by the incorporation of CAs into PGS (CA-PGS). In this context, the incorporation of the CAs into the polymeric matrix significantly improved the elastic modulus (from 0.912 MPa for the pure PGS elastomer to 0.366 MPa for the CA-PGS) and the deformability (from 0.792 MPa for the pure PGS to 0.566 MPa for CA-PGS). Overall, the mechanical properties of the obtained structures were observed similar to the native myocardium. Furthermore, the addition of CAs made the obtained structures electrically conductive with a conductivity value of 65 × 10-3S m-1which falls within the range previously recorded for human myocardium. Thein vitrocytotoxicity assay with L929 murine fibroblast cells revealed that the CA-PGS composite did not have cytotoxic characteristics. On the other hand, the studies conducted with H9C2 rat cardiac myoblasts revealed that final structures were suitable for MTE applications according to the successes in cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and cell behavior.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel cardiac patch using waste-derived carbon aerogels and a biodegradable elastomer. This electrically conductive material mimics native heart tissue mechanics and supports cell growth for myocardial tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) cause significant global mortality, with limited therapies for heart failure post-myocardial infarction.
- Current treatments for myocardial infarction primarily focus on slowing disease progression rather than regeneration.
- There is a critical need for advanced therapeutic strategies to address CVDs and improve cardiac function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a novel, electrically conductive composite material for cardiac patch applications.
- To utilize waste-derived carbon aerogels (CAs) and a biodegradable poly(glycerol-sebacate) (PGS) elastomer for this purpose.
- To evaluate the mechanical, electrical, and biological properties of the developed CA-PGS composite for myocardial tissue engineering (MTE).
Main Methods:
- Synthesized electrically conductive carbon aerogels (CAs) from waste paper.
- Combined CAs with biodegradable poly(glycerol-sebacate) (PGS) elastomer to create CA-PGS composites.
- Assessed mechanical properties (elastic modulus, deformability), electrical conductivity, and *in vitro* cytotoxicity and cell behavior using L929 and H9C2 cell lines.
Main Results:
- The CA-PGS composite exhibited mechanical properties similar to native myocardium, with improved elastic modulus and deformability compared to pure PGS.
- The composite achieved an electrical conductivity of 65 × 10-3S m-1, comparable to human myocardium.
- *In vitro* assays confirmed the composite's non-cytotoxic nature and suitability for MTE, showing successful cell adhesion, proliferation, and behavior.
Conclusions:
- The novel CA-PGS composite represents a promising, cost-effective material for myocardial tissue engineering.
- Its biomimetic mechanical and electrical properties, coupled with excellent biocompatibility, support its potential therapeutic application in cardiac repair.
- This study highlights the successful valorization of waste materials for advanced biomedical applications in regenerative medicine.
