Myocardial tissue on micro-structural scaffolds

Jos Malda and Miguel Castillo

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM) are encapsulated in a collagen-based hydrogel and are seeded on microstructured and mechanically tailored microfiber scaffolds. Scaffolds are produced using a state-of-the-art melt electrowriting 3D printing technique and possess properties much more similar to human myocardial physiology  than classical in vitro methods.

Highlights:

  • Advanced in vitro model recapitulating the fibrillar organization and mechanical behavior of myocardial muscle;
  • 3D-printed structures structures deliver up to 40 times more elastic energy than rudimentary fiber scaffolds;
  • Cardiac iPSCs cultured on microfiber scaffolds show enhanced functionality (beating frequency) and enhanced maturation;
  • iPSCs on microfibers can be combined into a patch that can be used to regenerate heart tissue in patients who have suffered from myocardial infarction;
  • Can be used to assess the effect  of pharmaceuticals or chemicals on cardiac function.

Principal Investigators

Prof. Jos Malda
Biofabrication in Translational Regenerative Medicine
Phone: 088 755 1133
Email: j.malda@uu.nl 

Prof. Joost Sluijter
Cardiac Regeneration 
jsluijte@umcutrecht.nl