Methods and apparatus for using polymer-based beads and hydrogels for cardiac applications

摘要

Biopolymer beads and hydrogels are useful in the remodeling, repair and reconstruction of the heart, as well as in modification of electrical conduction in the heart. Various types of beads are useful, including beads comprising a core of alginate polymers which may or may not be bonded to peptides; beads comprising a core in which peptides are dispersed with alginate polymers, and a chitosan film ionically bonded to available alginate polymers at the surface of the core; beads comprising a core in which peptides and chitosan derivates are dispersed with alginate polymers and form alginate-peptide complexes to which the chitosan derivatives are bonded; and beads comprising a core of chitosan polymers which may or may not be bonded to peptides. The heart may also be treated with a hydrogel agent comprising alginate polymers and peptides covalently bonded to the alginate polymers.