Design and Development of rGO and Polymer-Based Patches for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI), caused by coronary artery blockage, is a leading cause of death worldwide and results in permanent heart damage. Current treatments have limited success in fully restoring cardiac function, leading to increased interest in tissue engineering solutions. However, most existing cardiac patches lack the ideal combination of mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility needed for proper integration with heart tissue. This study developed an electrospun nanofiber cardiac patch made from polycaprolactone (PCL), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), collagen (COL), and gelatin (GEL) to overcome these challenges. The patch was fabricated using electrospinning and evaluated through detailed chemical, mechanical, electrical, and biological analyses. Cytotoxicity and initial biocompatibility were assessed using L929 fibroblast cells. Results showed that the scaffold had suitable mechanical properties, excellent biocompatibility, and improved electrical conductivity, all supporting key cellular activities such as adhesion, proliferation, and alignment. These features are essential for effective cardiac tissue regeneration. Overall, the developed patch shows strong potential as a next-generation cardiac repair material. Further in vivo studies using cardiac cells and animal models are needed to validate these promising in vitro findings.