Development of Bioartificial Myocardium Using Stem Cells and Nanobiotechnology Templates

Abstract

Cell-based regenerative therapy is undergoing experimental and clinical trials in cardiology, in order to limit the consequences of decreased contractile function and compliance of damaged ventricles following myocardial infarction. Over 1000 patients have been treated worldwide with cell-based procedures for myocardial regeneration. Cellular cardiomyoplasty seems to reduce the size and fibrosis of infarct scars, limit adverse postischemic remodelling, and improve diastolic function. The development of a bioartificial myocardium is a new challenge; in this approach, tissue-engineered procedures are associated with cell therapy. Organ decellularization for bioscaffolds fabrication is a new investigated concept. Nanomaterials are emerging as the main candidates to ensure the achievement of a proper instructive cellular niche with good drug release/administration properties. Investigating the electrophysiological properties of bioartificial myocardium is the challenging objective of future research, associating a multielectrode network to provide electrical stimulation could improve the coupling of grafted cells and scaffolds with host cardiomyocytes. In summary, until now stem cell transplantation has not achieved clear hemodynamic benefits for myocardial diseases. Supported by relevant scientific background, the development of myocardial tissue engineering may constitute a new avenue and hope for the treatment of myocardial diseases.

Amniotic membrane as a potent source of stem cells and a matrix for engineering heart tissue

“…The basement membrane is known for its healing, neovascularisation and anti-fibrosis properties [1,28].…”

“…Recent experimental studies have shown great potential, indicating the possibility of myocardial regeneration by the transplantation of biomaterials, and this has emerged as an alternative to existing therapies for heart injuries [1].…”

Development of Bioactive Patch for Maintenance of Implanted Cells at the Myocardial Infarcted Site

“…The benefits reported for cardiomyoplasty lead cells-based therapies to turn into new hope in regenerative medicine and are undergoing experimental and clinical trials. Unfortunately, until now, cell transplantation has not achieved clear hemodynamic benefits for myocardial diseases [22,23]. The main obstacle is that MI is an ischemic event followed by inflammatory reaction, cytokines, and growth factors secretion.…”

“…In this context, it seems suitable to provide a safe environment (niche) for cell proliferation and differentiation [23]. On the other hand, extracellular matrix that gives structural strength to the LV is pathologically modified (collagen type I decreased from 80% to 40%) and a fibrous scar is formed [22]. Therefore, cardiomyocytes death and scar formation modulate cardiac remodeling, which refers to the changes in size, shape, structure, and physiology of the heart.…”