Velcro-Like Scaffold Grows Heart Repair Tissue

Sep-01-15 A “Velcro-like,” bio-compatible scaffold that mimics the environment of the human body could simplify the process of growing heart tissue in the lab.

Developed by a team from the University of Toronto, the scaffold is made up of a specialized polymer called POMaC, which forms the 2D mesh. This mesh is shaped in a honeycomb pattern with combs that are wider at one end, forming a template for the cells to line up. T-shaped posts were then attached to the top of the honeycomb, allowing a second layer of heart cells to be placed on top and ‘clicked’ into place in a manner being compared to the hooks and eyes of Velcro.

The flexible nature of the scaffold allows it to bend as the heart cells “beat,” which in turn enables the cells to become more robust and likely to survive inside a real heart. Ultimately, the team hopes the Velcro-like scaffold will be used to produce artificial tissue to patch damaged hearts.

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