New hydrogel ‘could aid recovery after heart attacks’

A new type of injectable hydrogel has been created by US bioengineers that could help to encourage regeneration and improve functionality following a heart attack.

The team from the University of California – San Diego (UC San Diego) has developed the hydrogel using cardiac connective tissue that has been stripped of heart muscle cells through a cleansing process, before being freeze-dried, milled into powder and then liquefied.

Once injected into the body, it warms up and becomes a semi-solid porous gel that helps cells to repopulate areas of damaged cardiac tissue and heart functionality, while its biocompatible nature ensures adverse reactions are avoided.

A test using pigs showed that the gel was able to help repair damage from heart attacks and assist the heart in growing new tissue and blood vessels.

Lead researcher Karen Christman, a professor in the department of bioengineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering, said: "We are excited and encouraged by the results of the study … The technology offers the potential for a longer and better quality of life for millions of heart attack sufferers."

According to NHS data for 2010-11, there were a total of just over 92,000 heart attacks in England during the year, making it one of the most common reasons why people may need to receive emergency medical treatment.