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Updated: Sep 27, 2025
Processing of Human Cardiac Tissue Toward Extracellular Matrix Self-assembling Hydrogel for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications
Published on: December 4, 2017
A Biohybrid Material With Extracellular Matrix Core and Polymeric Coating as a Cell Honing Cardiovascular Tissue
Jahnavi Mudigonda1,2, Dongyang Xu1,2, Alan Amedi1,2
1Structural Heart Research & Innovation Laboratory, Carlyle Fraser Heart Center, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, GA, United States.
Objective:
To investigate the feasibility of a hybrid material in which decellularized pericardial extracellular matrix is functionalized with polymeric nanofibers, for use as a cardiovascular tissue substitute.
Background:
A cardiovascular tissue substitute, which is gradually resorbed and is replaced by host's native tissue, has several advantages. Especially in children and young adults, a resorbable material can be useful in accommodating growth, but also enable rapid endothelialization that is necessary to avoid thrombotic complications. In this study, we report a hybrid material, wherein decellularized pericardial matrix is functionalized with a layer of polymeric nanofibers, to achieve the mechanical strength for implantation in the cardiovascular system, but also have enhanced cell honing capacity.
Methods:
Pericardial sacs were decellularized with sodium deoxycholate, and polycaprolactone-chitosan fibers were electrospun onto the matrix. Tissue-polymer interaction was evaluated using spectroscopic methods, and the mechanical properties of the individual components and the hybrid material were quantified. In-vitro blood flow loop studies were conducted to assess hemocompatibility and cell culture methods were used to assess biocompatibility.
Results:
Encapsulation of the decellularized matrix with 70 μm thick matrix of polycaprolactone-chitosan nanofibers, was feasible and reproducible. Spectroscopy of the cross-section depicted new amide bond formation and C-O-C stretch at the interface. An average peel strength of 56.13 ± 11.87 mN/mm2 was measured, that is sufficient to withstand a high shear of 15 dynes/cm2 without delamination. Mechanical strength and extensibility ratio of the decellularized matrix alone were 18,000 ± 4,200 KPa and 0.18 ± 0.03% whereas that of the hybrid was higher at 20,000 ± 6,600 KPa and 0.35 ± 0.20%. Anisotropy index and stiffness of the biohybrid were increased as well. Neither thrombus formation, nor platelet adhesion or hemolysis was measured in the in-vitro blood flow loop studies. Cellular adhesion and survival were adequate in the material.
Conclusion:
Encapsulating a decellularized matrix with a polymeric nanofiber coating, has favorable attributes for use as a cardiovascular tissue substitute.
