A stem cell–integrated microneedle patch

Cell Biology![Figure][1] Cardiac stem cells growing on a microneedle array PHOTO: TANG ET AL., SCIENCE ADVANCES , 10.1126/SCIADV.AAT9365 (2018) More than 600,000 people in the United States suffer a heart attack each year. Stem cell therapy has been used to improve treatment options for survivors, but so far, cardiac stem cell retention rates have been low. To better integrate the stem cells into viable heart tissue, Tang et al. created a microneedle patch. Its biocompatible needles penetrate the skin and serve as communication channels between the patch and the heart, getting nutrients to the heart while delivering stem cells to the injured area. When tested in rats and pigs after acute heart attack, the patch boosted the development of heart tissue, reduced scar size, and increased cardiac functions. Sci. Adv. 10.1126/sciadv.aat9365 (2018) [1]: pending:yes