l. Bioprinted Patch with Cardiac Extracellular Matrix and Human Cardiac Progenitor Cells for Heart Regeneration

摘要

We have successfully bioprinted a cardiac patch composed of both hCPCs and cECM for use in regenerating damaged myocardial tissue. The inclusion of bioactive GelMA allowed for high fidelity printing through viscous bioink formation at low temperature, followed post-printing by white light radial polymerization to hold the patch shape when reintroduced to physiological temperatures. The patch supported viable and proliferative hCPCs, which in turn upregulate paracrine signal production for regeneration. The patches also had a high degree of swelling and porosity, indicating an effective environment for cell growth and signaling release. The patches degraded after several weeks in vitro, which may be a suitable timeframe to allow for tissue remodeling and regeneration, while making sure that the patch does not remain long term. The patch also matched the fibrous structure and mechanical moduli of native myocardial tissue, indicating potential effective integration into host tissue during the therapeutic period. Future studies will be focused on measuring hCPC function and differentiation within the patch, particularly in evaluating paracrine release profiles and critical sustaining processes such as angiogenesis.