Strategies for the chemical and biological functionalization of scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering: a review

Abstract

The development of biomaterials for cardiac tissue engineering (CTE) is challenging, primarily owing to the requirement of achieving a surface with favourable characteristics that enhances cell attachment and maturation. The biomaterial surface plays a crucial role as it forms the interface between the scaffold (or cardiac patch) and the cells. In the field of CTE, synthetic polymers ( polyglycerol sebacate, polyethylene glycol, polyglycolic acid, poly-L-lactide, polyvinyl alcohol, polycaprolactone, polyurethanes and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)) have been proven to exhibit suitable biodegradable and mechanical properties. Despite the fact that they show the required biocompatible behaviour, most synthetic polymers exhibit poor cell attachment capability. These synthetic polymers are mostly hydrophobic and lack cell recognition sites, limiting their application. Therefore, biofunctionalization of these biomaterials to enhance cell attachment and cell material interaction is being widely investigated. There are numerous approaches for functionalizing a material, which can be classified as mechanical, physical, chemical and biological. In this review, recent studies reported in the literature to functionalize scaffolds in the context of CTE, are discussed. Surface, morphological, chemical and biological modifications are introduced and the results of novel promising strategies and techniques are discussed.

Plasma surface functionalization of biodegradable electrospun scaffolds for tissue engineering applications

“…The synchronic effect of electrospinning and plasma grafting was recently associated with several advances in the TE field. This was illustrated by the significant enhancement of several cellular activities when plasma grafts biomolecules such as ECM components and growth factors on nanofibers [13,71]. Both plasma grafting and plasma polymerization techniques are considered superior to the plasma activation in terms of ageing effect.…”

“…To this end, different surface modification techniques have been performed such as ion-beam, X-ray, gamma radiation, wet chemical treatment and plasma-based techniques [12]. Specific bioactive molecules can be grafted onto the surface after modifying its chemistry or can be blended with the polymer solution prior to the electrospinning [13]. Plasma surface engineering of electrospun materials has known an abrupt rise during the past decade due to its potential to selectively modify the surface chemistry with a precise control of all the process parameters to avoid the damage of the delicate nanofibrous structure [14,15].…”

Looking Ahead to Engineering Epimorphic Regeneration of a Human Digit or Limb

“…The process of functional tissue reconstruction, however, may be distinct and not recapitulate the original developmental progression, as in the case of direct versus endochondral ossification. These tissue replacement processes may utilize classic tissue engineering approaches, using biodegradable polymers 126 or hydrogels, 127 to provide a scaffold for cell ingrowth. These biomaterials may not only help promote cell differentiation and matrix synthesis, but may facilitate spatial patterning of tissues.…”

Three-Dimensional and Biomimetic Technology in Cardiac Injury After Myocardial Infarction: Effect of Acellular Devices on Ventricular Function and Cardiac Remodelling

“…The results showed that adult rabbit cardiomyocytes atached to the scafold exhibited growth and cell organization comparable to that found in native myocardium [5]. The main beneits of synthetic materials are their strength and durability, although their biocompatibility tissues and surface properties, which are generally poor to achieve a favourable environment for cell atachment [58]. Toxicity is the outmost concern with synthetic materials, especially in the case of biodegradable materials, which can release potentially harmful by-products of degradation into the body.…”

“…Nonetheless, the major drawback with this method remains the inability to generate patches with sizable thickness due to difusion limitations. The biomaterial surface plays a crucial role as it forms the interface between the scafold (or cardiac patch) and the cells [58]. The cells once implanted inside the scafold will help the body heal itself [28,116].…”