"Cyborg patch" instead of heart transplantation
Many patients on the waiting list for a donor heart for transplantation die without waiting for their turn. Unfortunately, today this method of treatment has no worthy alternative.
Perhaps this problem can be solved with the help of a new development by researchers at Tel Aviv University, working under the guidance of Professor Tal Dvir, which is a bionic "patch" consisting of organic and artificial components. In fact, the capabilities of such a patch exceed the capabilities of the human heart tissue. It is able to contract like a heart muscle, and at the same time its functioning can be regulated as a mechanism.
According to Professor Dvir, the first priority was to ensure that the cells inside the patch could shrink, which explains the need for organic material. On the other hand, the possibility of monitoring what is happening in the bionic tissue and regulating its work was no less important. In addition, the developers wanted the implant to be able to release drugs directly into the heart tissue to improve its integration into the body.
First, they created a thick bionic tissue suitable for transplantation, consisting of a three-dimensional nanocomposite framework populated with cardiomyocytes. A flexible electronic circuit was built into this tissue, registering the activity of the heart muscle and providing appropriate electrical stimulation. In addition, the electronic components of bionic tissue are integrated with electroactive polymers, the activation of which, on demand, triggers the release of drugs such as growth factors or small molecules.
Professor Dvir explains that in the presence of such an implant, the attending physician will be able to take readings from sensors built into the bionic implant in real time via a computer and assess the patient's condition. This will allow timely measures to be taken, such as adjusting the heart rate or activating the release of the necessary drugs outside of the doctor's appointment.
The long-term goal of working on the improvement of the bionic implant is to endow it with the ability to independently regulate its functioning. In other words, when an inflammatory reaction is registered, it will begin to release an anti–inflammatory drug, and in case of a lack of oxygen, molecules that attract stem cells into the heart tissue that form new blood vessels.
Currently, Dr. Dvir is studying the possibilities of applying the developed concept to the brain and spinal cord for the treatment of neurological diseases.
Remotely adjustable live bionic patch for the heart. Bionic tissue consists of living heart cells, polymers and a complex nanoelectronic circuit. This integrated electronic system has great capabilities, such as interactive registration of heart contractions and rhythm regulation, if necessary. In addition, electronics are able to regulate the release of growth factors and drugs to attract stem cells or suppress an inflammatory reaction after the implantation procedure. A drawing from an article in Nature Materials.
Article by Tal Dvir et al. Engineered hybrid cardiac patches with multifunctional electronics for online monitoring and regulation of tissue function is published in the journal Nature Materials.
Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of American Friends of Tel Aviv University: Cyborg Cardiac Patch May Treat the Diseased Heart.
17.03.2016