NATURAL POLYMERS AND BIOMATERIALS IN MYOCARDIAL REGENERATION

Cardiac tissue regeneration remains a significant challenge in treating myocardial infarction and heart failure, conditions leading to substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide. Biomaterials, particularly synthetic polymers and natural substances, have emerged promising tools for promoting myocardial repair. Synthetic polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), offer customizable mechanical properties and controlled degradability, while natural biomaterials like collagen and fibrin closely mimic the extracellular matrix, enhancing biocompatibility and cellular integration. Scaffold-based structures, hydrogels, and nanotechnologies facilitate the delivery of stem cells, growth factors, and bioactive molecules, fostering angiogenesis and cardiomyocyte proliferation. Despite these advances, challenges persist. Synthetic materials may induce immune responses, and natural biomaterials face limitations in scalability and mechanical strength. High production costs and difficulties in complete tissue integration further hinder widespread application. Future research focuses on developing smart biomaterials responsive to biological stimuli, integrating genetic and cellular therapies, and leveraging nanotechnology for precise therapeutic delivery. These approaches aim to address current limitations, offering scalable and effective solutions for myocardial regeneration. This review highlights the advantages, limitations, and future directions of biomaterials in cardiac tissue engineering, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine for cardiovascular diseases.