Overview of hydrogel-based strategies for application in cardiac tissue regeneration

Biomed Mater. 2015 Jun 4;10(3):034005. doi: 10.1088/1748-6041/10/3/034005.

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death globally. Since the adult heart lacks the capacity to regenerate, loss of myocardium following myocardial infarction is irreversible and ultimately leads to failure to maintain cardiac function. In order to repopulate the areas of cell loss in the damaged hearts for restoration of cardiac function, cell transplantation/replacement has been extensively investigated. Recently, biomaterials have emerged as an approach to improve delivery and viability of cells for the regeneration of the damaged heart. Here we review the most common approaches in hydrogel-based cardiac tissue regeneration with particular focus on the implementation of hydrogels to improve cell delivery.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials*
  • Cell Transplantation*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Heart / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels
  • Materials Testing
  • Myocardial Infarction / physiopathology
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / transplantation
  • Regeneration*
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Tissue Engineering

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Hydrogels