Fabrication and investigation of cardiac patch embedded with gold nanowires for improved myocardial infarction therapeutics

In the current study, we fabricated a cardiac patch composed of gold nanowires incorporated in collagen fibres by electrospinning followed by chemical crosslinking. Two other counterparts of the cardiac patch were fabricated; one with gold nanowires incorporated in collagen fibres without chemical cross linking and other with only collagen fibres. The surface morphology of the cardiac patch was viewed via microscopy images and a complete analysis of the mechanical strength of the cardiac patch was done. Swelling and suture resistance tests along with cytotoxicity investigations were performed. Cell adhesion and proliferation were observed on the cardiac patch by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay and scanning electron microscope with impediametric studies. This cardiac patch had enhanced mechanical properties and increased hydrophilicity. The cardiomyocytes when seeded this cardiac patch exhibited good cell preservation, growth and sustainability. A layer of cells formed over the cardiac patch was seen by microscopic images because of better cell sustainability. It was observed that in cardiac patch with only porous matrix of collagen fibres, the mechanical strength, suture resistance and cell proliferation were less than when embedded with gold nanowires. Hence, this study clearly exhibited a bioengineered cardiac patch with improved efficacy for management of cardiac infarction.