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Updated: Oct 7, 2026
A Hydrogel Construct and Fibrin-based Glue Approach to Deliver Therapeutics in a Murine Myocardial Infarction Model.
Published on: June 14, 2015
Sticking to the Heart: Adhesive Hydrogels for Cardiac Regeneration
Niayesh Najafi1, Kevin Babakhan Vartanian1, Tony Eskandar1
1Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California, USA.
Purpose:
Adhesive hydrogels (AHs) are promising biomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering due to their injectability, ability to adhere to wet tissue, and structural similarity to the native extracellular matrix (ECM). This review evaluates the perspectives, opportunities, and challenges associated with AHs in cardiac tissue repair and functional recovery. Adhesion is achieved through chemical mechanisms including Schiff base reactions, Michael addition, and enzymatic crosslinking, as well as physical interactions including hydrogen bonding, host-guest complexation, and catechol-based binding. These mechanisms support integration with the dynamic and mechanically active cardiac surface ensuring the localized and sustained delivery of cells/therapeutics.
Methods:
Peer reviewed articles were identified through searches of PubMed and Embase using terms related to "adhesive hydrogels," "bioadhesion," and "cardiac tissue engineering." Studies were included based on relevance to adhesion chemistry, mechanical integration, in vivo cardiac performance, and translational outcomes.
Results:
Recent reports demonstrated improvements in ventricular remodeling, neovascularization, and scar size reduction, while early-stage clinical trials report safety and potential functional benefits of AH-based cardiac applications.
Conclusion:
Continued progress in material design, biocompatibility, and clinical delivery approaches is essential for translating adhesive hydrogels into routine therapies for heart management.
