Creating a Stronger Heart

In this study, the authors introduced a more efficient way of repairing a heart after heart attack. Current materials that are used in repairing the heart can become insuffecient and weak, so the findings in this study focus on creating a "native heart tissue." The researchers created a rubbler-like gel (MeTro gel) made out of tropoelastin, which is the protein in the body responsible for making tissues have elastic qualities. The gel was then manipulated to contain micropatterns for elasticity. This was then used to create heart tissue that actually contained heart muscle cells.

I thought that this article was interesting because it combined many of the different concepts I learned in physiology and it showed one of the many ways that the bioengineers can help with cardiovascular problems. It made me reflect on our visit to Aachen. So far, this new technology is being used as only a model. "Moreover, the work lays the foundation for creating more elaborate 3D versions of heart tissue that will contain vascular networks."


http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429133652.htm