Final Report Summary - HEART PATCH (Development of a Bioengineered Heart Patch for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction.) The main objective of the project was to develop a bioengineered heart patch for the treatment of Myocardial Infarction. Significant scientific advances were made through this project toward the development of a heart patch from August 2012 till now. For instance, composite biomaterial scaffolds were made and comprehensively tested for physical properties such as for mechanical robustness. The composite materials were found to be mechanically stronger than the non-composite ones. This project could make a great impact on the European societies as well as toward the health of individuals who suffer from heart diseases. The CIG grant made researcher’s transition from Canada to Sweden much easier and provided him with an initial funding to start establishing his research career in Sweden by enabling him to start his group by hiring a talented postdoctoral fellow from Australia and purchasing raw materials, some lab supplies, and equipment for implementation of the project and gaining relative independency. Having said that, it is very unfortunate that the project had to be terminated early and placed on hold after several months due to the lack of funding.
