Research Information System
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, vol.110, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
This research aimed to develop modified bovine serum albumin (BSA) based conductive cardiac patches, designed for application on the external surface, that mimic heart tissue to promote myocardial regeneration after acute myocardial infarction. Methacrylated BSA and hyaluronic acid (HA) biopolymers were synthesized to enhance mechanical properties and facilitate photocrosslinking. Hydrogel patches were prepared using photopolymerization with varying methacrylated BSA (BSAMA) and hyaluronic acid (HAMA) ratios and concentrations. Structural characterization, mechanical testing, and swelling behavior analysis identified the optimal patch, which exhibited a Young's modulus of 2.58 +/- 0.15 MPa. Conductivity was imparted by incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO), with a concentration of 3 mg/mL rGO achieving conductivity similar to natural heart tissue. After assessing mechanical and conductive properties, the optimized hydrogel pathces was loaded with retinoic acid. Cytocompatibility was assessed in cardiomyocytes (H9c2) using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-tetrazolium bromide, showing no toxic effects on the cells. This study highlights the development of BSA-based conductive cardiac patches that mimic heart tissue and has shown the potential of these patches for promoting myocardial regeneration after acute myocardial infarction.