Collagen 3 D fleece as scaffold for cardiac tissue engineering

Background The limited ability of cardiac muscle to regenerate after myocardial infarction motivates studies aimed at curative treatment options through cell engraftment. The purpose of this study was to test woven collagen fibres for possible use as 3 D scaffold for cardiac tissue engineering. Methods Neonatal ventricular rat Cardiomyocytes were isolated and characterized using specific antibodies by immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy following which they were seeded on collagen scaffolds. Results Collagen fleece fabricated out of woven collagen fibres harbored metabolically active cardiomyocytes. The video of the beating cells on the scaffold is substantial evidence that the collagen fleece could be used for the preparation of tailor made cardiac tissue construct. Conclusion Collagen fleece possesses the necessary tensile strength as well as the elasticity for maintaining pulsating cardiomyocytes. Their flexibility and compatibility project them as promising candidates for use in tailor made cardiac tissue constructs.