Micropatterning Techniques to Control Cell–Biomaterial Interface for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Harpinder Saini, Feba S. Sam, Mahshid Kharaziha, and Mehdi Nikkhah

Recent advancements in microengineering technologies have enabled creating biomimetic in vitro tissue substitutes for the repair and regeneration of injured myocardium. In this chapter, we will broadly overview the applications of micropatterning techniques in cardiac tissue engineering. We will first describe the cellular organization, microarchitecture, and the fundamentals of cell—matrix interactions within the native myocardium. Our discussion will be followed by a brief presentation on the use of natural and synthetic biomaterials in cardiac regeneration. Then, we will highlight the recent reports on the development of two- (2D) and three (3D) dimensional micropatterned cardiac tissue constructs. This chapter will be concluded with a brief summary on the effects of electrical and mechanical stimulation on structural and functional properties of engineered cardiac tissues.