Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Biologiche

Descrizione del progetto

Our project aims to meet technological needs in the cardiovascular field, a very relevant challenge for the health of society, through the implementation of new functionalized bioartificial materials as a salient part of a therapeutic product (cardiac patch) equipped with multiple actions: mechanical compliance, cardiac regeneration, protection from reperfusion damage and prevention from adverse process of left ventricle remodelling.

Myocardial infarction is the leading cause of death worldwide. Current therapy is based on drugs, aorto-coronary bypass procedures and angioplasty; however, none of these therapies restore the functionality of the damaged myocardial tissue. In addition, although to date the use of thrombolytics and balloon angioplasty has reduced morbidity and mortality, paradoxically, about 50% of the damage to the myocardium after heart attack is due to reoxygenation (reperfusion damage). The logic of our technology is to solve the problem through a synergy of actions: i) in situ regeneration, by cardiac patch implantation and activation of endogenous cells, ii) protection of the myocardium from reperfusion damage, using small cardioprotective molecules, iii) corrective action to reduce left ventricular remodelling, by means of innovative micro-nanoimprinting technique towards specific enzymes of the cardiac extracellular matrix; iv) platform for the release of synergistic active ingredients. The in vivo approach of our technology poses the most ambitious challenges, but it is the most attractive option for the global market. The possibility of avoiding the in vitro cell culture phase has a number of advantages that make this solution extremely versatile, but at the same time advantageous for the biomedical industry: 1) use of biomaterials that do not depend on the individual characteristics of the patient and that allow the immediate applicability of the device, 2) ease of transport and storage of the product compared to cellularized scaffolds, 3) complete feasibility within industrial structures.

Our activity will be developed on two main lines. The first will concern the development of an industrializable method for the production of the cardiac patch already made in the form of a laboratory prototype by the two research units and which has responded to the chemical-physical, mechanical, functional, and biocompatibility requirements in vitro and in vivo on an acute infarction model. The second line, which will be conducted in parallel, will be aimed at the innovation of the cardiac patch for the treatment of patients suffering from chronic heart attack. Final objectives are: i. the definition and development of strategies for a production/functionalization process with scale, performance, quality and potential in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements for medical devices; ii. the realization and in vitro characterization of a patch with advanced potential and extended to the treatment of chronic heart disease.