Engineering cardiology with miniature hearts

Cardiac organoids offer sophisticated 3D structures that emulate key aspects of human heart development and function. This review traces the evolution of cardiac organoid technology, from early stem cell differentiation protocols to advanced bioengineering approaches. We discuss the methodologies fo...

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Main Authors: Xiaojun Xia, Miner Hu, Wenyan Zhou, Yunpeng Jin, Xudong Yao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-04-01
Series:Materials Today Bio
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590006425000638
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author Xiaojun Xia
Miner Hu
Wenyan Zhou
Yunpeng Jin
Xudong Yao
author_facet Xiaojun Xia
Miner Hu
Wenyan Zhou
Yunpeng Jin
Xudong Yao
author_sort Xiaojun Xia
collection DOAJ
description Cardiac organoids offer sophisticated 3D structures that emulate key aspects of human heart development and function. This review traces the evolution of cardiac organoid technology, from early stem cell differentiation protocols to advanced bioengineering approaches. We discuss the methodologies for creating cardiac organoids, including self-organization techniques, biomaterial-based scaffolds, 3D bioprinting, and organ-on-chip platforms, which have significantly enhanced the structural complexity and physiological relevance of in vitro cardiac models. We examine their applications in fundamental research and medical innovations, highlighting their potential to transform our understanding of cardiac biology and pathology. The integration of multiple cell types, vascularization strategies, and maturation protocols has led to more faithful representations of the adult human heart. However, challenges remain in achieving full functional maturity and scalability. We critically assess the current limitations and outline future directions for advancing cardiac organoid technology. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the field, this review aims to catalyze further innovation in cardiac tissue engineering and facilitate its translation to clinical applications.
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spelling doaj-art-6cb4e00db0084d1b942b4cdd9329d3b52025-01-27T04:22:08ZengElsevierMaterials Today Bio2590-00642025-04-0131101505Engineering cardiology with miniature heartsXiaojun Xia0Miner Hu1Wenyan Zhou2Yunpeng Jin3Xudong Yao4Department of Cardiology, Center of Regenerative and Aging Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, 322000, ChinaDepartment of Cardiology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, 310000, ChinaSchool of Medicine, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, ChinaDepartment of Cardiology, Center of Regenerative and Aging Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, 322000, China; Corresponding author.Department of Cardiology, Center of Regenerative and Aging Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, and International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, 322000, China; Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Corresponding author. Department of Cardiology, Center of Regeneration and Aging Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, 322000, China.Cardiac organoids offer sophisticated 3D structures that emulate key aspects of human heart development and function. This review traces the evolution of cardiac organoid technology, from early stem cell differentiation protocols to advanced bioengineering approaches. We discuss the methodologies for creating cardiac organoids, including self-organization techniques, biomaterial-based scaffolds, 3D bioprinting, and organ-on-chip platforms, which have significantly enhanced the structural complexity and physiological relevance of in vitro cardiac models. We examine their applications in fundamental research and medical innovations, highlighting their potential to transform our understanding of cardiac biology and pathology. The integration of multiple cell types, vascularization strategies, and maturation protocols has led to more faithful representations of the adult human heart. However, challenges remain in achieving full functional maturity and scalability. We critically assess the current limitations and outline future directions for advancing cardiac organoid technology. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the field, this review aims to catalyze further innovation in cardiac tissue engineering and facilitate its translation to clinical applications.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590006425000638Cardiac organoidsTissue engineeringCardiovascular disease modelingDrug discoveryRegenerative medicine
spellingShingle Xiaojun Xia
Miner Hu
Wenyan Zhou
Yunpeng Jin
Xudong Yao
Engineering cardiology with miniature hearts
Materials Today Bio
Cardiac organoids
Tissue engineering
Cardiovascular disease modeling
Drug discovery
Regenerative medicine
title Engineering cardiology with miniature hearts
title_full Engineering cardiology with miniature hearts
title_fullStr Engineering cardiology with miniature hearts
title_full_unstemmed Engineering cardiology with miniature hearts
title_short Engineering cardiology with miniature hearts
title_sort engineering cardiology with miniature hearts
topic Cardiac organoids
Tissue engineering
Cardiovascular disease modeling
Drug discovery
Regenerative medicine
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590006425000638
work_keys_str_mv AT xiaojunxia engineeringcardiologywithminiaturehearts
AT minerhu engineeringcardiologywithminiaturehearts
AT wenyanzhou engineeringcardiologywithminiaturehearts
AT yunpengjin engineeringcardiologywithminiaturehearts
AT xudongyao engineeringcardiologywithminiaturehearts