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A Biomimetic Leaflet Scaffold for Aortic Valve Remodeling.
Kenneth J De Jesus Morales1, Utari Santosa1, Olga Brazhkina1
1Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine & Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|May 1, 2024
Summary
This study presents a 3D-bioprinted tissue-engineered heart valve (TEHV) using a GelMA/PEGDA hydrogel and VIC-like cells. The TEHV shows potential for self-repair and remodeling, mimicking native aortic valve structure and function.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cardiovascular Engineering
Background:
- Heart valve disease, particularly in children, requires innovative solutions due to limitations of current artificial valves.
- Tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs) offer a promising approach for patient-specific, self-repairing, and remodeling valve replacements.
- Existing TEHVs face challenges in replicating the complex native valve structure and biological responsiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a 3D-bioprinted tissue-engineered aortic valve (TEAV) that emulates the native trilayer leaflet structure.
- To evaluate the mechanical stability, cell viability, and extracellular matrix (ECM) production of the TEHV under dynamic physiological conditions.
- To assess the potential for in-situ remodeling and biological integration of the TEHV.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 3D-bioprinted hydrogel scaffold using gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), incorporating valvular interstitial-like (VIC-like) cells.
- Reinforcement of the hydrogel scaffold with a polycaprolactone (PCL) layer to enhance mechanical properties.
- Culturing the TEHV under dynamic conditions (shear stress and stretching) for up to 14 days to mimic physiological heart valve loading.
- Assessment of scaffold stability, mechanical strength, cell function, and ECM protein expression.
Main Results:
- The GelMA/PEGDA hydrogel scaffold demonstrated stability over 7 days with enhanced mechanical strength compared to pure GelMA.
- VIC-like cells within the scaffold maintained viability and function for up to 14 days.
- Significant extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression was observed under dynamic culture conditions, indicating remodeling potential.
- The 3D-bioprinted TEHV successfully replicated the structural and functional attributes of a native aortic valve.
Conclusions:
- The 3D-bioprinted TEHV, utilizing a GelMA/PEGDA hydrogel and VIC-like cells, presents a viable strategy for addressing pediatric heart valve disease.
- The developed TEHV exhibits promising mechanical and biological properties, including stability, cell function maintenance, and ECM synthesis.
- This biomaterial-cellular construct offers a potential solution for creating functional, self-repairing, and remodeling heart valve replacements.
