[Image courtesy York University]
3D beating heart tissue helps researchers study drug therapies
York University scientists created 3D beating heart tissue from three types of cardiac cells, and the tissue beats harmoniously.
The tissue comprises of the three cell types that are found in the heart: contractile cardiac muscle cells, connective tissue cells and vascular cells. Other 2D and 3D tissues need scaffolding for the cells to be able to attach and grow to—this one doesn’t.
The scientists used a substance called ViaGlue to stick the cells together and make the tissue. The ViaGlue gives researchers the ability to create and test 3D in vitro cardiac tissues in the lab.
Even though the 3D cardiac tissue was only on a millimeter scale, scientists think this development could help improve treatment options and understanding of cardiac health.
Read more about the 3D beating heart tissue here.
These breakthroughs were fascinating to hear about. I’m glad that you ended on a good note. It’s wonderful to hear that about advances that have helped us better understand heart disease and its treatment.