Decellularized Extracellular Matrix/Gellan Gum Hydrogels Enriched with Spermine for Cardiac Models

Editorial summary

Hydrogels combining decellularized extracellular matrix, gellan gum and spermine were developed as materials for cardiac tissue models. The extracellular matrix was obtained from bovine pericardium, and the formulations were assessed for gel formation, structure, stability, rheology and compressive behavior. Cell experiments evaluated compatibility with a cardiac cell model. The combined approach provided adjustable material properties while incorporating matrix-derived biological components. The work supports further development of these hydrogels as laboratory scaffolds for cardiac applications; it does not report mechanical testing of an intact human heart or clinical cardiac regeneration.