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Origami-based artificial heart tissue
Researchers have grown a multi-layered, functional artificial heart tissue. They have structured a paper scaffold made of cellulose with a micro- and macro pattern. The heart muscle cells aligned themselves based on the microstructure (right background). The macrostructure caused the tissue to fold (heart model in the middle). Overall, the researchers were able to significantly improve the contractility of the tissue. (Image: FHNW and University of Basel, CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Researchers from the SNI network have developed a new method for producing artificial heart tissue. In the form of a plaster, the multi-layered tissue could support the healing process of dead tissue in the event of a heart attack, for example.
To grow multi-layered heart tissue in the laboratory, the researchers used a biocompatible cellulose paper scaffold on which they combined a layer of heart muscle cells with a vascular layer, which is important for the blood supply. With the help of a macro-pattern on the paper, which led to a folding of the paper scaffold like origami, the researchers were able to significantly improve the contractility of the tissue. A micro-pattern on the paper scaffold, which was also tested, contributed to a more uniform, aligned and therefore stronger contraction.
Using the developed method, the researchers from the FHNW School of Life Sciences and the University of Basel were able to produce a multi-layered, functioning heart tissue in the laboratory – better than is possible with conventional cell culture methods. They recently published their results in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering.
The project was supported by the Swiss Nanoscience Institute as part of the applied Nano Argovia program. Omya AG was the industrial partner in the project and developed the special paper.
Original publication: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c01594