One-Step 3D Printing of Heart Patches with Built-In Electronics for Performance Regulation

Masha Asulin, Idan Michael, Assaf Shapira, Tal Dvir*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

46 Scopus citations

Abstract

Three dimensional (3D) printing of heart patches usually provides the ability to precisely control cell location in 3D space. Here, one-step 3D printing of cardiac patches with built-in soft and stretchable electronics is reported. The tissue is simultaneously printed using three distinct bioinks for the cells, for the conducting parts of the electronics and for the dielectric components. It is shown that the hybrid system can withstand continuous physical deformations as those taking place in the contracting myocardium. The electronic patch is flexible, stretchable, and soft, and the electrodes within the printed patch are able to monitor the function of the engineered tissue by providing extracellular potentials. Furthermore, the system allowed controlling tissue function by providing electrical stimulation for pacing. It is envisioned that such transplantable patches may regain heart contractility and allow the physician to monitor the implant function as well as to efficiently intervene from afar when needed.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2004205
JournalAdvanced Science
Volume8
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - 5 May 2021

Funding

FundersFunder number
Slezak Foundation
Zimin Institute
Horizon 2020 Framework Programme637943
European Research Council
Ministry of Science, Technology and Space3-12587
Israel Science Foundation700/13

    Keywords

    • 3D printing
    • ECM hydrogels
    • bioinks
    • cardiac tissue engineering
    • electronics

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