Myocardial Tissue Engineering

More about the book

Myocardial tissue engineering (MTE) aims to enhance patients' longevity following cardiac damage by restoring heart function. Key strategies involve engineered vehicles, such as porous scaffolds or dense substrates made from natural or synthetic polymers, which facilitate cell transportation into damaged heart regions and support cell integration. This comprehensive analysis features contributions from leading experts, detailing the latest advancements in MTE. Chapters explore various aspects, including cell sources, specific tissue engineering techniques, and biomaterials. Numerous cell types have been proposed for therapy within MTE, including autologous bone marrow-derived and cardiac progenitors, as well as embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. The book thoroughly examines biomaterials, focusing on their biocompatibility with cardiac cells, mechanical properties, and degradation behavior both in vivo and in vitro. Despite extensive research, it addresses unresolved questions and identifies areas needing further investigation. Additionally, the book provides insights into clinical trials and potential novel cell sources for MTE cell therapy.