Engineering 3D in vitro cardiac tissue models for cardiotoxicity assessment

Animal models represent the gold standard for toxicity assessment. However, due to anatomical and functional diversity, they are often unable to replicate the real human physio-pathological scenario with sufficient fidelity. Additionally, their use is currently strongly debated due to ethical issues. In this scenario, the development of in vitro bioengineered tissue/organ models could represent a significant step forward in establishing Novel Approach Methodologies, providing more reliable and robust methods for toxicity assessment [1]. In this contribution, we report the development of a new in vitro bioengineered model of cardiac tissue. The model results from the assembly of a polymeric 3D multi-layered structure obtained by melt extrusion additive manufacturing of a custom-made poly(ester urethane) (PU) with a cell-loaded (human induced pluripotent stem cell derived-cardiomyocytes hiPSC-CMs) methacryloyl gelatin bio-ink.