ReviewPost screenTowards 3D in vitro models for the study of cardiovascular tissues and disease

- Replacement tissues are being created using tissue engineering techniques.
- Engineered 3D tissue platforms can be used for drug screening and device testing.
- High fidelity in vitro models may also be utilised for disease modelling.
- In vitro testing of drugs/devices is more ethically sound and cost effective.

The field of tissue engineering is developing biomimetic biomaterial scaffolds that are showing increasing therapeutic potential for the repair of cardiovascular tissues. However, a major opportunity exists to use them as 3D in vitro models for the study of cardiovascular tissues and disease in addition to drug development and testing. These in vitro models can span the gap between 2D culture and in vivo testing, thus reducing the cost, time, and ethical burden of current approaches. Here, we outline the progress to date and the requirements for the development of ideal in vitro 3D models for blood vessels, heart valves, and myocardial tissue.