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Research Group Biermann
Subpulmonary Neo-Ventricle from Engineered Heart Tissue for the Treatment of Univentricular Heart Defects
Aim
Our interdisciplinary group aims to develop a functional subpulmonary neo-ventricle from engineered heart tissue (EHT) derived from hiPSC-cardiomyocytes.
Scope of Research
Engineered Heart Tissue • Congenital Heart Defects • Univentricular Circulation • Pulsatile Flow
Research Projects
1. Functional maturation of cardiomyocytes in tube-EHTs
A major focus of the group is the promotion of functional maturation in hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes within tubular engineered heart tissues. This is pursued through targeted metabolic stimulation using specialized maturation media and mechanical conditioning via pulsatile perfusion systems. The aim is to enhance contractile force and tissue robustness, thereby moving tube-EHTs closer to clinical translation.
2. Development of decellularized vascular scaffolds
The group is developing and optimizing modern decellularization methods for veins and arteries. These acellular scaffolds serve as a structural basis for generating novel tissue constructs that combine the native extracellular matrix with engineered cellular components. Such biohybrid approaches are expected to provide improved stability, biocompatibility, and translational potential.
3. Mitochondrial function as a determinant of tissue performance
Parallel studies focus on mitochondria as central determinants of cardiomyocyte energy supply. By evaluating mitochondrial function and its influence on engineered tissue performance, the group aims to identify novel targets for improving metabolic efficiency. This line of research is expected to further optimize the contractile functionality and long-term viability of engineered heart tissue constructs.
Key Techniques
- Culture and differentiation of cardiomyocytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)
- Generation of tubular 3D myocardial constructs from engineered heart tissue (EHTs)
- Metabolic maturation using specialized culture media
- Mechanical stimulation via pulsatile perfusion systems and dynamic “shaking” protocols
- Decellularization of veins and arteries as scaffolds for tube-EHTs
- Histology and immunohistochemistry for tissue characterization
- Functional analyses (contractility measurements, electrophysiological recordings, calcium imaging) in collaboration with the Christ laboratory
- Molecular biology techniques
- Mitochondrial analytics in collaboration with the Cuello laboratory
- Flow and hemodynamic analyses
Group Members
Publications
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Ventricular unloading causes prolongation of the QT interval and induces ventricular arrhythmias in rat hearts.
Schwoerer AP, Biermann D, Ehmke H.
Front Physiol. 2024 Jul 3;15:1346093. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1346093. eCollection 2024 -
Transmural myocardial repair with engineered heart muscle in a rat model of heterotopic heart transplantation - A proof-of-concept study
Jebran AF, Tiburcy M, Biermann D, Balfanz P, Didié M, Karikkineth BC, Schöndube F, Kutschka I, Zimmermann WH.
J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2022 Jul;168:3-12. doi: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2022.03.013. Epub 2022 Apr 4.PMID: 35390437 -
A potential future Fontan modification: preliminary in vitro data of a pressure-generating tube from engineered heart tissue
Köhne M, Behrens CS, Stüdemann T, Bibra CV, Querdel E, Shibamiya A, Geertz B, Olfe J, Hüners I, Jockenhövel S, Hübler M, Eschenhagen T, Sachweh JS, Weinberger F, Biermann D.
Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2022 Jul 11;62(2):ezac111. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezac111.PMID: 35218664 -
Towards a Tissue-Engineered Contractile Fontan-Conduit: The Fate of Cardiac Myocytes in the Subpulmonary Circulation.
Biermann D, Eder A, Arndt F, Seoudy H, Reichenspurner H, Mir T, Riso A, Kozlik-Feldmann R, Peldschus K, Kaul MG, Schuler T, Krasemann S, Hansen A, Eschenhagen T, Sachweh JS.
PLoS One. 2016 Nov 22;11(11):e0166963. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166963. eCollection 2016.PMID: 27875570 -
Preservation of left ventricular function and morphology in volume-loaded versus volume-unloaded heterotopic heart transplants.
Didié M, Biermann D, Buchert R, Hess A, Wittköpper K, Christalla P, Döker S, Jebran F, Schöndube F, Reichenspurner H, El-Armouche A, Zimmermann WH.
Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 2013 Aug 15;305(4):H533-41. doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00218.2013. Epub 2013 Jun 14.PMID: 23771692
Grants
- Stiftung Kinderherz
06/2025-06/2030
„Der subpulmonale Neoventrikel: Das autologe Fontan-Conduit aus kontraktilem Engineered Heart Tissue“
Prizes
- 2015
Hans Georg Borst- Preis der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Thorax-, Herz- und Gefäßchirurgie (DGTHG) - 2014
Forschungspreis der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pädiatrische Kardiologie (DGPK) - 2007-2009
Werner Otto Stipendium zur Förderung des medizinisch-wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchses an der Universität Hamburg
Most important national and international collaboration partners:
- Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Torsten Christ
- Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Maike Frye
- Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Friederike Cuello
- Prof. Dr. med. Rouven Berndt
- Prof. Prof. Dr. med. Monique Jongbloed, Universität Leiden, Niederlande