Technology

Tissue engineering represents a promising alternative to create self-growing organ or tissue replacements. To create tissue engineered heart valves, autologous (from the patient itself) cells are seeded on a scaffold or mold in the shape of a heart valve. The scaffold consists of a biodegradable polymer that degrades within a few weeks. In the meantime, cells produce autologous tissue that replaces this initial scaffold. To enhance tissue formation, the tissue engineered heart valves are cultured in a bioreactor, where mechanical stimuli are applied. A close research collaboration between the Eindhoven University of Technology and the University Hospital of Zurich has led to unique bioreactor protocols for the creation of tissue engineered heart valves that show promising functionality for in vivo application.

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