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Engineering Models of the Heart Left Ventricle
Sargol Okhovatian1, Mohammad Hossein Mohammadi2, Naimeh Rafatian1
1Institute of Biomaterials Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|May 6, 2022
Summary
Scientists are developing functional artificial left ventricular (LV) models using advanced biomaterials and stem cells. These engineered heart chambers mimic native ventricle function, paving the way for future cardiac research and therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cardiovascular Research
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Creating a functional artificial heart for transplantation remains a significant scientific challenge.
- Recent advancements have led to the development of functional left ventricular (LV) models.
- These models are 3D engineered chambers mimicking native LV functionality, including contraction and fluid ejection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of functional left ventricular (LV) model development.
- To compare various LV models based on fabrication methods, biomaterials, and cell types.
- To highlight challenges and potential solutions in the field of artificial heart research.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing various hydrogels and polymers for LV model construction.
- Employing techniques such as electrospinning, bioprinting, casting, and molding.
- Scaling models based on human or rat ventricle dimensions and using cardiomyocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells.
Main Results:
- Developed LV models exhibit contraction, fluid ejection, and electrical impulse propagation.
- Comparison of models based on fabrication, cell source (neonatal rat vs. human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes), and biomaterials.
- Assessment of functional properties and disease modeling capabilities.
Conclusions:
- Functional left ventricular (LV) models represent a significant step towards artificial heart development.
- Key challenges include achieving proper vascularization and ensuring cell composition fidelity.
- Ongoing research aims to overcome these hurdles for improved cardiac tissue engineering.
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