‘Cyborg’ cardiac patch treats heart disease

Tel Aviv University (TAU) researchers have created a "cyborg heart patch," which is a bionic device that combines electronics with organic living tissues to create a self-regulating cardiac patch

The patch contracts and expands like human heart tissue but regulates itself like a machine and was created by Tal Dvir and Ron Feiner of TAU's department of biotechnology, department of materials science and engineering and center for nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Dvir said: "With this heart patch, we have integrated electronics and living tissue. It's very science fiction, but it's already here, and we expect it to move cardiac research forward in a big way.

“Until now, we could only engineer organic cardiac tissue, with mixed results. Now we have produced viable bionic tissue, which ensures that the heart tissue will function properly."

The new cyborg cardiac patch not only replaces organic tissue but also ensures its sound functioning through remote monitoring, according to TAU.

Dvir said: "We first ensured that the cells would contract in the patch, which explains the need for organic material but, just as importantly, we needed to verify what was happening in the patch and regulate its function.

“We also wanted to be able to release drugs from the patch directly onto the heart to improve its integration with the host body."

For the new bionic patch, Dvir and his team engineered thick bionic tissue suitable for transplantation.

The engineered tissue features electronics that sense tissue function and provide electrical stimulation.

In addition, electroactive polymers are integrated with the electronics. Upon activation, these polymers are able to release medication, such as growth factors or small molecules on demand.

Dvir said: "Imagine that a patient is just sitting at home, not feeling well, his physician will be able to log onto his computer and this patient's file — in real time.

“He can view data sent remotely from sensors embedded in the engineered tissue and assess exactly how his patient is doing. He can intervene to properly pace the heart and activate drugs to regenerate tissue from afar.

"The longer-term goal is for the cardiac patch to be able to regulate its own welfare. In other words, if it senses inflammation, it will release an anti-inflammatory drug. If it senses a lack of oxygen, it will release molecules that recruit blood-vessel-forming cells to the heart."

TAU said that Dvir is currently examining how his proof of concept could apply to the brain and spinal cord to treat neurological conditions.

Dvir said: "This is a breakthrough, to be sure, but I would not suggest binging on cheeseburgers or quitting sports just yet.

“The practical realisation of the technology may take some time. Meanwhile, a healthy lifestyle is still the best way to keep your heart healthy."