3D-Printed Biodegradable Cardiac Patch

In the Netherlands, 240,000 people suffer from heart failure, which occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, due to a heart attack or chronic diseases. Recent clinical findings reveal that combining the use of left ventricular assisted device (LVAD) with rest and drug treatment helps recover cardiac function in up to 10% of end-stage heart failure patients. However, the implant of LAVD require multiple invasive surgeries.

The goal of this project is to develop a biodegradable cardiac patch featuring a 2D array of contractile units for localized pumping assistance, less invasive than current LVAD systems. A new high-resolution multi-material 3D printing protocol developed in our lab using modified masked SLA will be employed to manufacture the device.

Assignment

Tasks

1.The project starts with a literature survey to determine the polymer composites to be printed.

2.You will then synthesize various resins, including biodegradable elastomers and composites exhibiting magnetic properties.

3.Afterwards you will perform computational simulations to identify the optimal design for the actuators of the cardiac patch.

4.You will then fabricate the patch via 3D printing, and evaluate its performances, with a specific focus on the achievable strain.

Contact

Last modified: 2025-10-29