Injectable Biomaterial Repairs Damaged Tissue From Within

A new injectable biomaterial can travel through the bloodstream to repair damaged tissue. This material reduces inflammation and promotes healing. Animal studies showed it successfully treated heart attack damage in rodents and larger animals. Early research suggests it may also help with traumatic brain injury and pulmonary hypertension.

This biomaterial offers a less invasive treatment method. Previous approaches required direct injection into the heart. The new therapy can be delivered intravenously, allowing it to spread evenly and act quickly. Karen Christman, a bioengineering professor at the University of California San Diego, led the research team.

Heart attacks cause significant tissue damage. The body forms scar tissue that does not contract like healthy heart muscle. This can weaken the heart and lead to congestive heart failure. Currently, no established therapy directly repairs heart tissue after a heart attack. Existing treatments focus on restoring blood flow and managing future risks.

The biomaterial is a hydrogel derived from the natural scaffolding of cardiac muscle tissue, known as the extracellular matrix (ECM). Researchers processed the hydrogel to create nanosized particles. These particles can be infused into a blood vessel or delivered via an intravenous (IV) drip. When tested in a rodent model of heart attack, the biomaterial attached to endothelial cells, helped close gaps in blood vessels, and accelerated blood vessel healing. This process reduced inflammation.

The researchers observed similar results in a pig model of heart attack. The biomaterial was associated with reduced left ventricular volumes and improved wall motion. Gene expression changes indicated tissue repair and reduced inflammation. The ability to deliver the material through the bloodstream makes it suitable for difficult-to-access organs and tissues.

Christman and Ventrix Bio, a startup co-founded by Christman, plan to seek authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to study the intravascular biomaterial in humans. The therapy would need to demonstrate safety, practical delivery, and effectiveness in improving patient outcomes. The treatment remains experimental but shows promise for regenerative medicine.