TERMIS 2021 | Polyhydroxyalkanoate-based scaffolds for engineered cardiac tissue

The formation of scar tissue after a myocardial infarction decreases functionality of the heart, and heart transplantation is often required as a result. Ipsita Roy, PhD, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK, discusses the role of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in cardiac tissue engineering. Patches made from PHA seeded with cardiac tissue derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iSPCs) can surpass the need for transplantation by regenerating healthy tissue in the heart. PHAs are biocompatible and have demonstrated promising efficacy as a drug delivery system. Prof. Roy also highlights the development of multi-material patches with the addition of alginate. This interview took place at the 6th World Congress of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS 2021).