Developed by researchers at the University of Manchester, the gel allows doctors to introduce new cells into damaged hearts as a way to repair it and reduce the risk of progression to heart failure.
Historically, when cells have been injected directly into the heart, only one per cent have remained in place and survived.
The biodegradable gel can be safely injected into the beating heart to act as a scaffold for cells to grow new tissue. The researchers hope their gel will become a key part of future regenerative treatments for damaged hearts.
University of Manchester researcher Katharine King, who led this research, said: “The heart has a very limited ability to repair any damage it sustains. Our research has been looking for ways to overcome this so we can keep the heart in a healthier place for longer.
“While it’s still early days, the potential this new technology has in helping to repair failing hearts after a heart attack is huge. We’re confident...