Improvements in heart repair patches from stem cells

Engineering patches are fabricated for heart repair, but the problem is that the cells would die after they were transplanted to the heart's core. This is because nutrients and oxygen were not able to travel to the center of the patch. Researchers began to experiment and added different types of cells to the heart patches. The new cells came from the lining inside blood vessels and cells that provide muscular support. These cells also came from embryonic stem cells or other mature sources. It was found that the new patch contained tiny blood vessels so that nutrients and oxygen could flow to the middle of the patch.

The advantages of the new tissue produced is that it is more stiff. The stiffness resembles more of heart muscle cells and allows the blood to fill the heart before it contracts. This created new connective tissues to transport the blood more efficiently. Another advantage of the new tissue cells is that the tissue actively contracts, very similar to an actual human heart and could keep up with the heart beats.

One problem that has not been overcome is the fact that the human body may still reject the transplant of the engineering patch unless the patient takes medication for the rest of their life. This is still an obstacle that is being researched till today.

The new engineering tissue can be used to repair damaged areas from heart attacks or birth defects by regenerating tissue cells from stem cells. This research could lead to the development of a full human heart from human embryonic stem cells, blood vessel linings, and fiber cells.

I found this article interesting because the regeneration of new tissues from stem cells is an area of important research in the biomedical field. The thought of being able to repair heart muscles crucial in the cure of heart related diseases. Being able to understand and get a better insight of stem cell research inspires me as an individual to create new and better ideas for the future.

Article: http://www.biology-online.org/articles/major-improvements-made-engineering-heart.html