After a heart attack occurs, as scar tissue forms the organ becomes enlarged and its walls thin. The victim may eventually experience heart failure without adequate intervention to repair damaged cardiac tissue. Researchers at various institutions are experimenting with hydrogels – water-swollen networks of polymer chains – that are injected into damaged heart tissue through a long catheter inserted through the skin.

The hydrogel (right) forms crosslinks after injection into the heart, making the material stiffer and longer-lasting. (Image source: American Chemical Society)University of Pennsylvania scientists report development of a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel that provides mechanical support to stabilize the damaged area. The gel creates connections between polymer chains within itself during the stiffening process, resulting in a flexible yet very durable material. In sheep studies, the material limits formation of scar tissue, thinning of the heart’s walls, and enlargement of the heart. By preserving the organ’s size, the gels also reduce leakage of blood through the mitral valve. These benefits maintain the heart’s blood-pumping ability and could stave off heart failure (see video).

Once the hydrogel formulation and delivery methods are finalized, the research team hopes to partner with a catheter firm to bring a product to market.

The researchers presented their work at the 252^nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia, Penn.