3D-printed biosimilar heart valves that don't need to be replaced

Using melt electrospinning, a new 3D printing technology, scientists were able to

imitate a complex heterogeneous structureheart valves. Once implanted, the patient's own cells are supposed to grow on the porous support structure of the artificial valve, which degrades over time.

There are four heart valves in the human body,which ensure proper blood circulation. The researchers say that to ensure its function, the tissue of the valve has a heterogeneous structure, that is, individual sections have different biomechanical properties.

Electrospinning technology useshigh voltage electricity to form precise patterns from very thin polymer fibers. With this method, it is possible to perform high-precision printing of individual patterns and their combinations and to adjust the mechanical properties of the printed heart valve.

An enlarged photo of the valve with high-precision fiber patterns. Source: Andreas Heddergott, TUM

As the main material, scientists usebiodegradable polycaprolactone. The framework of this material is embedded in an elastic material that mimics the properties of the endogenous elastin found in real heart valves. It is noted that this coating has smaller micropores than in the polycaprolactone framework. Scientists believe that the patient's cells will settle in these pores and form new heart tissue. At the same time, the structure of the valve is dense enough to ensure blood flow.

3D printed heart valveshave been tested in an artificial circulatory system that simulates blood flow and pressure in the body. Under the conditions studied, the heart valves opened and closed correctly. In addition, the first in vitro tests showed the growth of cell cultures on a carrier structure. The researchers plan to conduct animal trials soon.

Our goal is to create a biosimilar of heart valves,contributing to the formation of new functional tissue in the patient. In particular, such a solution could benefit children, as the heart valves currently in use do not grow with the patient and therefore have to be replaced in multiple surgeries over the years.

Petra Mela, professor of medical materials and implants at the Technical University of Munich, one of the leaders of the study

Cover photo: Andreas Heddergott, TUM

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