Hydrogels for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Cardiac tissue regeneration is an integrated process involving both cells and supporting matrix. Cardiomyocytes and stem cells are utilized to regenerate cardiac tissue. Hydrogels, because of their tissue-like properties, have been used as supporting matrices to deliver cells into infarcted cardiac muscle. Bioactive and biocompatible hydrogels mimicking biochemical and biomechanical microenvironments in native tissue are needed for successful cardiac tissue regeneration. These hydrogels not only retain cells in the infarcted area, but also provide support for restoring myocardial wall stress and cell survival and functioning. Many hydrogels, including natural polymer hydrogels, synthetic polymer hydrogels, and natural/synthetic hybrid hydrogels are employed for cardiac tissue engineering. In this review, types of hydrogels used for cardiac tissue engineering are briefly introduced. Their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Furthermore, strategies for cardiac regeneration using hydrogels are reviewed.

Hydrogels for cardiac tissue engineering

“…3 If cells are not connected properly, electrical signals do not propagate, resulting in a decrease in the performance of the heart. Therefore, it may be of benefit to use conductive hydrogels to improve the beating rates of cardiac cells.…”

“…2 As a result, the remaining muscle tissue undergoes structural and functional remodeling indicated by ventricular wall thinning and chamber dilatation. 3 The limited regeneration capability of the adult cardiomyocytes in the heart prevents the tissue to regenerate fully on its own. 3,4 Thus there is a tremendous need for new treatment strategies to remedy dysfunctional hearts.…”

“…3 The limited regeneration capability of the adult cardiomyocytes in the heart prevents the tissue to regenerate fully on its own. 3,4 Thus there is a tremendous need for new treatment strategies to remedy dysfunctional hearts.…”

“…14 Hydrogels provide mechanical support for cardiac cells to deposit extracellular matrix (ECM) and form the newly synthesized tissue as they degrade. 3,10 Furthermore, physical and chemical properties of hydrogels can be easily tuned to enhance cell viability and function. Therefore, hydrogels are attractive materials for regeneration of the damaged myocardium.…”

“…Some of the widely used hydrogels include collagen, 2 gelatin, 2 Matrigel, 20 alginate, 21 fibrin, 2 poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), 22 poly(Nisopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAM) 23 and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). 3 These materials can be utilized either by themselves or in combination with cells. 24 In addition, growth factors can be embedded within these hydrogels to promote tissue formation.…”