Image guided cardiac regeneration: Visible biomaterials functionalised to enhance stem cell-mediated repair and improve cardiac function
BHF Intermediate Basic Science Research Fellow Dr Daniel Stuckey is developing new tools to give stem cells the best chance of repairing damaged heart tissue. After a heart attack, heart muscle tissue becomes damaged and has a limited ability to heal itself. Introducing stem cells that can create new heart muscle offers a promising way to repair the damage, but most transplanted cells die soon after grafting. In this project, Dr Stuckey will develop a gel containing stem cells that can be injected into the heart of mice to repair the heart after a heart attack. The gel will provide a nurturing environment for the cells, release growth factors for the cells, and will mechanically support the existing heart muscle, aiding remodelling and repair of the heart. Dr Stuckey will also develop new imaging methods to assess the gel. He plans to monitor cell survival and retention, as well as the controlled release of growth factors with the new imaging techniques. These techniques will help him modify the cells and gel composition to enhance their ability to support heart repair. This research will lead to progress in the search for tools to help the heart regenerate after injury.
Project details
| Grant amount | £710,492 |
|---|---|
| Grant type | Fellowships |
| Application type | Intermediate Basic Science Research Fellowship |
| Start Date | 01 January 2016 |
| Duration | 6 years |
| Reference | FS/15/33/31608 |
| Status | In Progress |
