Bioengineered heart tissue inspired by Velcro
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.029166
New Scientist : A new way to grow three-dimensional cardiac tissue has been developed that makes use of a temporary 2D supporting framework, or mesh, with tiny holes and hooks. Called Tissue-Velcro , the material consists of heart cells grown on the mesh in single-cell layers. When the layers are stacked, the hooks snag on the holes, which allows the layers to grow together. The resulting material could then be used as a sort of living bandage to repair the heart’s vessels or valves following a heart attack. The technique could also be used to grow other complex tissues, such as those in the skin or liver. Eventually the polymer mesh breaks down of its own accord.
