Open AccessOne‐Step 3D Printing of Heart Patches with Built‐In Electronics for Performance Regulation
Author(s) -
Asulin Masha,
Michael Idan,
Shapira Assaf,
Dvir Tal
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202004205
Subject(s) - stretchable electronics , electronics , biomedical engineering , flexible electronics , 3d printing , materials science , function (biology) , 3d printed , computer science , electronic component , electrode , nanotechnology , electrical engineering , engineering , composite material , chemistry , evolutionary biology , biology
Three dimensional (3D) printing of heart patches usually provides the ability to precisely control cell location in 3D space. Here, one‐step 3D printing of cardiac patches with built‐in soft and stretchable electronics is reported. The tissue is simultaneously printed using three distinct bioinks for the cells, for the conducting parts of the electronics and for the dielectric components. It is shown that the hybrid system can withstand continuous physical deformations as those taking place in the contracting myocardium. The electronic patch is flexible, stretchable, and soft, and the electrodes within the printed patch are able to monitor the function of the engineered tissue by providing extracellular potentials. Furthermore, the system allowed controlling tissue function by providing electrical stimulation for pacing. It is envisioned that such transplantable patches may regain heart contractility and allow the physician to monitor the implant function as well as to efficiently intervene from afar when needed.