Matthew Van

How does tissue engineering contribute to current solutions to the regeneration of cardiac cells?

Started Apr. 13, 2022

Abstract or project description

The newly created field of tissue engineering has allowed for new discoveries and applications for lab-grown cells for the purpose of implanting them back into the body or repairing damaged cells through cell therapy ranging from its applications in internal medicine, oncology, orthopedics, and dermatology, tissue engineering is utilized in biomedical fields that concern replacing or repairing damaged cells. Cardiovascular Disease, appearing in 420 million cases each year, increases the need for effective regenerative solutions for cardiac tissue. Many approaches to regenerating cells in the heart exist including the use of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) in creating artificial sections of the heart as well as creating cell sheets to be implanted into the patient. With the goal of replacing damaged cells or performing cell therapy to ensure the mechanical function of the heart, tissue engineering in cardiac tissue is focused on creating artificially functional cells using hiPSC-CM to treat heart damage including forms of myocardial fibrosis. Research in cardiac regeneration has progressed, however, limitations are prevalent including differences in mice test subjects and human hearts, difficulties in replicating cellular organization of the myocardium, rejection of implanted organs, as well as the creation of an artificial that functions long term. Despite its limitations, tissue engineering in cardiac tissue has only begun. New ideas are being tested and procedures are being developed, such as injecting drugs with the use of hydrogels, that overcome the existing limitations. Here we review current applications of tissue engineering regarding cardiac cells and how tissue engineering can shape the future of treatments for heart conditions.