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Updated: May 31, 2025
Processing of Human Cardiac Tissue Toward Extracellular Matrix Self-assembling Hydrogel for In Vitro and In Vivo Applications
Published on: December 4, 2017
Thermosensitive Porcine Myocardial Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel Coupled with Proanthocyanidins for Cardiac Tissue
José Luis Hidalgo-Vicelis1, Angélica Raquel Rivera-Contreras1, Beatriz Hernández-Téllez1
1Laboratory of Immunotherapy and Tissue Engineering, Department of Cellular and Tissue Biology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. Universidad 3000, Copilco Universidad, Coyoacán, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
This study developed a novel antioxidant hydrogel using grape seed proanthocyanidins to protect heart tissue after a heart attack. The enhanced hydrogel improves antioxidant capacity and promotes cardiac cell survival for myocardial regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cardiovascular Research
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Post-myocardial infarction, negative myocardial remodeling remains a significant clinical challenge.
- Injectable hydrogels offer a minimally invasive approach to replace damaged cardiac extracellular matrix.
- Oxidative stress from ischemia-reperfusion injury limits current hydrogel therapy efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an antioxidant-enhanced injectable hydrogel for post-infarction cardiac repair.
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of incorporating grape seed proanthocyanidins into myocardial extracellular matrix hydrogels.
- To determine optimal proanthocyanidin concentrations for cardiac tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- Decellularized porcine myocardium was enzymatically digested and solubilized to form an extracellular matrix solution.
- Grape seed proanthocyanidins were incorporated into the extracellular matrix solution.
- The solution was self-assembled into a porous hydrogel at 37 °C.
Main Results:
- The proanthocyanidin-coupled hydrogel demonstrated enhanced antioxidant capacity.
- Improved gelation kinetics and in vitro degradation profiles were observed.
- Increased cardiomyocyte viability confirmed the cytoprotective effects of the antioxidant hydrogel.
Conclusions:
- Grape seed proanthocyanidin-loaded myocardial extracellular matrix hydrogels show promise for post-infarction myocardial regeneration.
- The antioxidant hydrogel formulation positively impacts key physicochemical and biological properties.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for cardiac tissue engineering and improving heart attack outcomes.
