Micropatterning Techniques to Control Cell–Biomaterial Interface for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Recent advancements in microengineering technologies have enabled creating biomimetic in vitro tissue substitutes for the repair and regeneration of injured myocardium. In this chapter, we will broadly overview the applications of micropatterning techniques in cardiac tissue engineering. We will rst describe the cellular organization, microarchitecture, and the fundamentals of cell-matrix interactions within the native myocardium. Our discussion will be followed by a brief presentation on the use of natural and synthetic biomaterials in cardiac regeneration. Then, we will highlight the 8.1 Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………….. 188 8.2 Native Cardiac Tissue ……………………………………………………………………….. 189 8.2.1 Major Cell Types within the Native Cardiac Tissue ……………………. 189 8.2.2 Myocardial ECM …………………………………………………………………… 190 8.2.3 Impact of Cellular Organization on Cardiac Tissue Functions …….. 190 8.3 Biomaterials in Cardiac Regeneration …………………………………………………. 191 8.4 Micropatterning Techniques in Cardiac Tissue Engineering ………………….. 194 8.4.1 Microfabricated 2D In Vitro Models ………………………………………… 194 8.4.2 Microfabricated 3D Tissue Constructs ……………………………………… 196 8.4.3 Effect of Electrical and Mechanical Stimulation on Microfabricated Cardiac Tissues ……………………………………………… 199 8.5 Conclusion and Perspectives ……………………………………………………………….202 Abbreviations ……………………………………………………………………………………………202 References ………………………………………………………………………………………………..203