Validation of a bioreactor for the maturation of human-sized cardiac tissue

Within the European BRAV3 project (H2020), whose main objective has been the development of a personalised biological ventricular assist device, specific work has been carried out focusing on the development and validation of an electromechanical bioreactor for the maturation of cardiac tissue. In this context, Leartiker has led the design and development of the bioreactor, including its architecture, stimulation systems and functional integration.

The activity has focused on mechanical stimulation, as well as on the validation of the complete system and the culture system circuit. This work was carried out by researcher Ainitze Gereka Goienetxe as part of her thesis project, in which the first functional validations were performed with both small-scale and human-sized tissues. The thesis is a collaboration with the University of Navarra, specifically with Dr Manuel Mazo's group at his CIMA (Centre for Applied Medical Research) laboratory, where experimental research related to cardiac tissue engineering is carried out.

In vitro validation of large cardiac tissues

One of the main achievements has been the in vitro validation of the bioreactor with human-sized cardiac constructs, an essential milestone in advancing tissue-based regenerative therapies and developing advanced preclinical models.

The system allows controlled mechanical stimulation to be applied under sterile conditions, promoting the organisation, alignment and functional maturation of cardiac tissue. This advance responds to one of the greatest challenges in the field: obtaining mature and clinically relevant tissues prior to their therapeutic or research use.

Intellectual property protection

The results obtained have led to the filing of a patent application associated with the bioreactor. This step reinforces Leartiker's knowledge transfer and innovation strategy and opens new possibilities for collaboration with industrial and clinical partners interested in technologies for cardiac tissue maturation.

Paving the way for clinical applications

The bioreactor developed is conceived as a versatile and strategic tool for the development of advanced therapies based on cardiac tissue and the creation of robust preclinical models, which are necessary for evaluating drugs, pathologies and regeneration processes with greater precision.

Thanks to this project, Leartiker and its collaborators are consolidating their leading role in the field of cardiac tissue engineering, contributing to the advancement of key technologies for regenerative medicine.