Analysis of Different Natural and Synthetic Biomaterials to Support Cardiomyocyte Growth

Abstract

The aim of this study was to scan through several biomaterials to find an optimal biomaterial to support the growth of cardiomyocytes. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were cultured on polylactide, chitosan, poly (1,8-octanediolco- citric acid), copolymer of poly(ethylene oxide terephthalate) and poly (butylene terephthalate), PuraMatrix™ and collagen. The suitability of biomaterials for cardiomyocyte culture was evaluated based on several parameters. The cells were characterized with time-lapse imaging, immunocytochemistry and LIVE/DEAD® staining. Collagen gel was the best biomaterial. It supported well the growth, survival and functionality of the cardiomyocytes. Polylactide and chitosan membranes supported the cell growth and survival, but these biomaterials were too stiff for further cardiac applications. In conclusion, collagen gel is a good biomaterial to obtain a 3D structure to model heart tissue.