3D bioartificial stretchable scaffolds mimicking the mechanical hallmarks of human cardiac fibrotic tissue

This study developed 3D stretchable bioartificial scaffolds composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels, designed to mimic the mechanical properties of human cardiac fibrotic tissue. The scaffolds were fabricated using melt extrusion additive manufacturing and tested under both static and dynamic mechanical conditions. Cyclic tensile stimulation (10% deformation at 1 Hz) using the MechanoCulture T6 induced α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs), indicating myofibroblast activation. The model successfully recapitulated the stiffness (6–10 MPa) and deformation (22%) typical of fibrotic myocardium, offering a robust in vitro platform for cardiac fibrosis research and drug/device testing.