Injectable biomaterials for cardiac regeneration and repair

Abstract: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the developed world, and as such there is a pressing need for novel treatment options. Since the only viable treatment option for end-stage heart failure is a heart transplant, cardiac tissue engineering emerged from the need to develop alternative sources and methods of replacing tissue damaged by cardiovascular diseases. This chapter discusses the design criteria for injectable biomaterials used in cardiac tissue engineering and for direct in vivo application as well as the biomolecules used to enhance these novel therapies. The challenges facing the field and future directions that must be taken to ensure successful development of biomaterial strategies for cardiac therapy are suggested.