Regenerating Heart Tissue with Nanotube Patches

Each year, over 780,000 Americans suffer from a second heart attack as a result of previously damaged cardiac muscle.  Because of this, repairing or regenerating new tissue has been a focus of researchers from a wide array of disciplines. 

Nanotube patch technology is a combination of carbon nanofibers and polymers.  Combined, they are designed to help encourage cell growth.  The technology is based on two concepts.  First, the nano structures are similar in size to a cell, thus allowing for the interaction between the two and limiting the chance for rejection.  Additionally, the patch acts as a scaffold, allowing stem cells or other forms of therapy to be held in place long enough for the tissue to grow.

Lab tests have shown that nerve cells have also responded to the therapy.  It is an important concept considering electrical conductivity is a key function of a cardiac muscle cell.  Early studies have shown that the combination of carbon nanofibers and polymers led to five times as many heart tissue cells growing on the surface than with only the polymer.  Furthermore, the density of cell doubled after just four days.

Early designs allow for the flexible patch to be delivered in the cath lab or with a needle.  This will benefit already compromised patients that would be at risk from a surgical procedure.  Although it may be several years before the nanopatch enters the market, just think of the savings and improved outcomes.  The promise is enormous!