Supramolecular polymer materials bring restorative heart valve therapy to patients
Tristan Mes, Aurélie Serrero, Hannah Bauer, Martijn Cox, Anton W. Bosman, Patricia Y. W. Dankers, E. W. Meijer
Abstract
The functional restoration of natural tissues in a variety of cardiovascular applications is the main objective of Endogenous Tissue Restoration (ETR). The recent progress in the development of biocompatible, biodegradable, and tunable biomaterials with unprecedented properties allow the next steps from laboratory studies to clinical studies. The independent control over mechanical properties and biodegradability provided by the combination of covalent and non-covalent bonds makes supramolecular polymers uniquely qualified for ETR. This paper will provide further details on the mechanism of ETR and will provide a perspective on the preclinical and clinical application of supramolecular polymers for ETR. In addition to various reports on chronic studies in large animal models, three world-first clinical studies are reported, demonstrating the potential of supramolecular technology in bringing ETR to patients.