Hydrogel for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
In light of the limited efficacy of current treatments for cardiac regeneration, researchers have been investigating tissue engineering strategies as a potential solution to offer mechanical support to damaged cardiac tissues, administer cardio-protective molecules, and enhance cell-based therapeutic techniques. Hydrogel has the ability to safeguard biomolecules and chemokines from degradation, enhance targeted delivery, and augment cell viability.
Introduction to Cardiac Tissue Engineering
The strategies aimed at improving myocardial function involve the direct administration of biomolecules, chemokines, and cardiomyocytes (CMs) for heart failure (HF) treatment. However, each of these techniques encounters significant obstacles that must be overcome, such as the short lifespan of biomolecules in vivo, non-specific delivery of cells/molecules, low cell survival rate, and inadequate targeting to the desired region. To address these limitations effectively, scientists have pursued cardiac tissue engineering approaches utilizing biomaterials.
Fig. 1 Cardiac tissue engineering approaches. (Peña B, et al., 2018)
Utilization of Hydrogel for Cardiac Tissue Engineering
Hydrogels are commonly used for cell seeding and encapsulation due to their high fluid content, making them suitable for tissue implantation and various biomedical applications. Their exceptional diffusion properties and biocompatibility further recommend them in these fields. It is worth noting that when hydrogels are administered directly into the heart, they have shown promising results such as improved cardiac function, reduced infarct size, and enhanced angiogenesis compared to the administration of free cells or proteins.
Fig. 2 The use of hydrogels as therapeutic tools for cardiac repair. (Saludas L, et al., 2017)
- Hydrogels as Support Materials
Hydrogel can provide mechanical support for the weakened myocardium and prevent left ventricular remodeling after a heart attack. Hydrogels have become increasingly popular due to their adjustable mechanical properties and the potential for non-invasive delivery. The inherent mechanical characteristics of hydrogels play a crucial role in determining their effectiveness as supportive agents.
- Hydrogels for Cell Delivery
The utilization of hydrogels in conjunction with cells has been widely studied as a strategic method to overcome the obstacles that hinder the efficacy of cell therapy. Hydrogels promote cellular viability, sustain long-term functionality, and protect cells from harmful inflammatory surroundings and mechanical washout caused by the contracting myocardium.
Fig. 3 Strategies for Cardiac Tissue using hydrogels. (Saludas L, et al., 2017)
- Hydrogels for Protein Delivery
Achieving sustained release of therapeutic agents is particularly crucial in the heart due to its high vascularity and continuous blood flow, which can rapidly eliminate delivered proteins from the tissue. Encapsulation of bioactive molecules within hydrogels enables localized and prolonged release over time, ensuring a durable therapeutic impact.
- Hydrogels offer precise control over the diffusion rate of biomolecules from the matrix to the extracellular matrix by modifying their chemical and physical characteristics.
- Hydrogels serve as a protective platform that hinders the rapid degradation of agents by proteinases.
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References
- Peña B.; et al. Injectable Hydrogels for Cardiac Tissue Engineering. Macromol Biosci. 2018;18(6):e1800079.
- Saludas L.; et al. Hydrogel based approaches for cardiac tissue engineering. Int J Pharm. 2017;523(2):454-475.