Hydrogel Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be a major cause of death and illness worldwide. The limited capacity of the heart to regenerate and repair itself has spurred significant research efforts into cardiac tissue engineering. At STEMart, we are committed to advancing this field by offering high-quality hydrogel scaffolds tailored for cardiac tissue engineering applications.

The Advantages of Hydrogel in Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Hydrogel scaffolds are three-dimensional, porous structures made from hydrophilic polymer networks that can absorb and retain significant amounts of water. They are particularly valuable in cardiac tissue engineering, facilitating the growth and maturation of cardiac cells into functional myocardial tissue. The advantages of hydrogels include their biocompatibility and tunable mechanical properties, which closely resemble the native ECM, thereby supporting cell viability and function. Moreover, hydrogels can be engineered to degrade over time, minimizing the risk of long-term complications. Their porous structure enhances cell infiltration and nutrient diffusion, while the ability to functionalize them with bioactive molecules promotes specific cellular behaviors, such as cardiomyocyte differentiation and electrical conductivity. These features collectively position hydrogels as an ideal material for developing functional cardiac tissues.

Fig.1 Injectable hydrogels and cardiac patches.¹

One-stop Hydrogel Scaffolds for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

At STEMart, we offer a comprehensive customized development service for hydrogel scaffolds tailored specifically for cardiac tissue engineering. Our scaffolds are designed to provide a supportive environment for the migration and proliferation of stem cells, while also serving as versatile carriers for the delivery of drugs, genetic materials, stem cells, growth factors, cytokines, and small molecules. This multifunctionality allows our hydrogel scaffolds to address a wide range of applications in cardiac tissue regeneration, from promoting angiogenesis and tissue repair to enhancing the delivery of therapeutic agents directly to the site of injury. Our comprehensive testing services ensure the hydrogels' biocompatibility and functionality, making them suitable for various cardiac applications.

We customize the hydrogel formulation to optimize its properties for cardiac tissue engineering. We work closely with our clients to select the most appropriate hydrogel materials based on their specific requirements. The hydrogel scaffolds can be modified with bioactive molecules such as peptides, growth factors, and extracellular matrix proteins. This enhances cell-scaffold interactions and promotes the desired biological responses, such as cardiomyocyte differentiation and maturation. We design hydrogel scaffolds with specific architectures:

Applications in Cardiac Tissue Engineering

• Cardiac Repair: Our hydrogel scaffolds can be used to develop cardiac patches designed to repair damaged myocardial tissue. These patches can be seeded with cardiac progenitor cells or stem cells to promote tissue regeneration and improve heart function following myocardial infarction.
• Heart Valve Engineering: We are able to develop hydrogel scaffolds for heart valve tissue engineering. These scaffolds can be designed to mimic the mechanical and biological properties of native heart valves, supporting the growth and maturation of valve cells.
• Drug Testing & Screening: Hydrogel scaffolds provide a relevant platform for testing cardiotoxicity and drug efficacy, reducing reliance on animal models.

If you are interested in our development services for hydrogel scaffolds in cardiac tissue engineering or would like to discuss your specific project requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to partnering with you to drive innovation and improve cardiovascular health.