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Tissue Engineering In Vitro Leaflet- and 3-Dimensional Printing-Based Implant Prototypes for Infant Mitral Valve
Martha I González-Duque1,2,3, Arielle Breuninger1, Frédéric Leis4
1Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Bioengineering Group, HEPIA HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland.
BME Frontiers
|August 8, 2025
Summary
This study explores novel materials for infant mitral valve repair, including coated ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene and 3D-printed hydrogels. These tissue-engineered heart valve prototypes show promise for pediatric applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Pediatric mitral valve repair faces challenges like somatic growth and patient-prosthesis mismatch.
- Tissue-engineered heart valves (TEHVs) offer a promising alternative to traditional repair methods.
- 3D printing and advanced biomaterials can overcome limitations in current TEHV development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer leaflet- and 3D printing-based implant prototypes for infant mitral valve repair.
- To evaluate novel biomaterials, including coated UHMWPE and GelMA hydrogels, for TEHV applications.
- To assess the cytocompatibility of these prototypes using human fetal aorta-derived mesoangioblasts (AoMABs).
Main Methods:
- Four materials were evaluated: UHMWPE, UHMWPE with PVA coating, UHMWPE with PVA and collagen coating, and 3D-printed GelMA hydrogels.
- Prototypes underwent characterization for structural, physicochemical, and mechanical properties.
- Cytocompatibility was assessed using AoMAB cells, with a 3D printed mitral valve prototype analyzed via immunostaining.
Main Results:
- UHMWPE coated with PVA and collagen exhibited favorable degradation, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility.
- GelMA hydrogels demonstrated superior cell viability and excellent scalability for 3D printing.
- AoMAB cells showed good compatibility with both promising material types.
Conclusions:
- Coated UHMWPE and GelMA hydrogels show significant potential for developing TEHVs for pediatric mitral valve repair.
- AoMAB cells are suitable for 3D culture and future personalized pediatric TEHV applications.
- Further in vitro validation and thrombogenicity studies are necessary to advance these prototypes.
