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Research Group Pecha
Aim
We aim to bring valvular and myocardial tissue engineering as well as hiPS-cell based therapies into clinics
Scope of Research
Cardiac Repair • Mechanistics of Atrial fibrillation • Transcatheter heart valve engineering • Biomaterials Research
Research Projects
1. Cardiac Repair
Our research focuses on regenerative therapies for heart failure using iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. We investigate both intramyocardial cell injection and the application of engineered heart tissue. Bioluminescence imaging enables sensitive, non-invasive tracking of transplanted cells. The effectiveness of these approaches is evaluated in large animal studies. We are currently investigating the impact of genetically modified hiPSC-cardiomyocyte injection on post-transplant arrhythmias in a large animal model.
2. Mechanistics and therapeutics of atrial fibrillation
Our research focuses on improving outcomes in atrial fibrillation surgery by investigating circulating and tissue biomarkers. In addition, we perform in-vitro measurements of atrial contractility to better understand atrial function and its role in disease progression. These approaches aim to optimize patient selection and therapeutic strategies in atrial fibrillation treatment.
3. Transcatheter heart valve Engineering
Our research focuses on the development of innovative transcatheter heart valve solutions. This includes a low-resistance pulmonary vein valve and a novel transcatheter tricuspid valve, both designed to address current clinical limitations. We apply advanced 3D-printing techniques for cardiac valve engineering and evaluate these technologies in large animal models to ensure their functionality and safety prior to clinical application.
4. Biomaterials Research
Our research in the field of biomaterials focuses on the development of superhydrophobic coatings for vascular prostheses and surface modifications of cardiovascular implants. These technologies are designed to reduce infections and thrombosis, improve biocompatibility, and enhance implant performance. Their safety and effectiveness are systematically evaluated in both small and large animal studies.
Key Techniques
- 3D Modelling and 3D Printing
- Bioluminescence Imaging
- Human induced pluripotent stem cells
- Valvular and myocardial tissue engineering
- Small and large animal research models for cardiac and valvular repair
- Lentiviral transgene therapy
- Heart valve testing using an FDA approved Pulse duplicator
Group Members
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Maike Westphal
Publications
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Bionic Nanocoating of Prosthetic Grafts Significantly Reduces Bacterial Growth
Pecha S, Reuter L, Ohdah S, Petersen J, Pahrmann C, Aytar Celik P, Cabuk A, Reichenspurner H, Yildirim Y
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2024 -
Resting membrane potential is less negative in trabeculae from right atrial appendages of women, but action potential duration does not shorten with age.
Pecha S, Ismaili D, Geelhoed B, Knaut M, Reichenspurner H, Eschenhagen T, Schnabel RB, Christ T, Ravens U.
J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023;176:1-10 -
Human iPS cell-derived engineered heart tissue does not affect ventricular arrhythmias in a guinea pig cryo-injury model
Pecha S, Yorgan K, Rohl M, Geertz B, Hansen A, Weinberger F, Sehner S, Ehmke H, Reichenspurner H, Eschenhagen T, Schwoerer AP.
Sci Rep 2019;9:9831. -
Cardiac repair in guinea pigs with human engineered heart tissue from induced pluripotent stem cells
Weinberger F*, Breckwoldt K*, Pecha S*, Kelly A, Geertz B, Starbatty J, Yorgan T, Cheng, KH, Lessmann K, Stolen T, Scherrer-Crosbie M, Smith G, Reichenspurner H, Hansen A, Eschenhagen T.
Sci Transl Med 2016;8:363ra148. -
Human engineered heart tissue patches remuscularize the injured heart in a dose-dependent manner
Querdel E, Reinsch M, Castro L, Köse D, Bähr A, Reich S, Geertz B, Ulmer B, Schulze M, Lemoine M, Krause T, Lemme M, Sani J, Shibamiya A, Stüdemann T, Köhne M, v. Bibra C, Hornaschewitz N, Pecha S, Nejahsie Y, Mannhardt I, Christ T, Hansen A, Klymiuk N, Krane M, Kupatt C, Eschenhagen T, Weinberger F
Circulation. 2021 May 18;143(20):1991-2006
Grants/Awards
- Hamburg Innovation-Call for Transfer C4T C-2019-02
- WIPANO Öffentliche Forschung-Weiterentwicklung von Erfindungen “Interventionelle Implantation von linksatrialen Schlauchklappen zur Therapie der Mitralinsuffizienz”
- 2022-2025 DZHK Standortprojekt „Human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte engraftment and cell distribution using different application techniques“ FKZ: 81Z0710118
- DZHK Standortprojekt “Optimization of hiPSC-cardiomyocyte-based regeneration by using controlled stimulation of cardiomyocyte proliferation in a pig model”
Patents
- Implantable low resistance valve prosthesis. (2017091309385500DE) PAT 1611PCT/EP. Publication Date September 13,2017
- Implantable low resistance valve prosthesis US Patent No 11,439,503 B2 Sep, 13 2022
- Implantable Shunt Regulation Device and Shunt System (EP21173250.8), US Application No. 18/290,281 granted March, 10 2025