Biomaterial platforms in cardiovascular regenerative medicine - challenges and future perspectives

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for about 17.9 million deaths annually. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offer a patient-specific and ethically acceptable source for cardiac regeneration. Early applications using two-dimensional cultures or direct cell injection showed feasibility but were limited by poor retention and immaturity. Biomaterial-based approaches now provide supportive environments that enhance cell survival, alignment, and integration. iPSC - biomaterial platforms combining scaffolds, hydrogels, and engineered matrices have improved tissue organization and functional performance. However, persistent challenges such as incomplete maturation, arrhythmogenic risk, high production costs, and regulatory hurdles remain. Future progress will depend on integrating advanced biomaterials, gene editing, artificial intelligence, and scalable GMP-compliant manufacturing. By bridging stem cell biology and materials science, iPSC - biomaterial systems represent a promising path toward clinically viable cardiac regeneration.