Reinforced Cardiac Tissue Patches using Metamaterials
How do we implant engineered tissues into the heart? Can they withstand the mechanical force and shear stresses? Do the cells survive?
Introduction
Implanting engineered cardiac tissues is challenging due to limitations of traditional patches, which often lack contractility, can calcify over time, and fail to integrate effectively with native heart tissue. These issues hinder their ability to restore functional cardiac performance, underscoring the need for advanced solutions in cardiac tissue engineering.
Our solution
We are developing a bioengineered cardiac patch using human stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes in a hydrogel matrix, reinforced with a metamaterial lattice. This innovative design allows for precise tuning of mechanical properties—such as stiffness and anisotropy—to mimic native cardiac tissue characteristics, while providing structural stability for successful implantation.
Applications
Our translational research shows significant progress in creating a functional cardiac patch, with demonstrated biocompatibility, cell maturation, and tissue contractility. By aligning lab-based innovations with clinical needs, this approach has the potential to produce a durable, contractile cardiac implant, advancing solutions for heart tissue repair and enhancing integration and performance of implanted cardiac tissues.