BL4-5 Heart2.0

The aim of the Heart 2.0 project is to develop an active interface system for the interior of artificial hearts and ventricular assist devices that combines innovative concepts of molecular engineering, bio- and nanotechnology, surface engineering and fluid dynamics. An ageing population and a high incidence of heart disease mean that more and more people are suffering from terminal heart failure. The shortage of donor hearts and the insufficient supply leads to long waiting times with a deteriorating quality of life and an increasing risk of death.

ReinHeart/ReinVAD has developed artificial heart support systems that completely replace the function of the natural heart and represent a therapeutic alternative to heart transplantation. However, the contact of blood with the titanium/polymer surface of the artificial heart and the ventricular assist device remains a challenge and leads to unwanted thromboembolic complications.

Our goal is to develop an active interface system for artificial hearts and ventricular assist devices. This system not only reduces the activation of coagulation, but also actively influences the blood components and thus contributes to patient recovery. Antifouling polymer brushes are bound to the titanium/polymer surface of the artificial heart via the anchor peptides. The additional immobilization of corn-trypsin inhibitor, CTI, and tissue-specific plasminogen activator, tPA, locally prevents surface-induced coagulation and activates fibrinolysis if a clot is formed. In addition, laser structuring is used to create biomimetic surface topographies that generate migrating eddy currents and thus high shear at the interface to detach the clot. The two biological strategies play a role particularly in the acute initial phase of implantation, while the structuring of the titanium remains active for years.