The research group led by Dr Enayati develops and evaluates advanced biodegradable implants for cardiovascular applications. Our work combines novel bio-scaffold design with advanced additive manufacturing techniques, including 3D bio-plotting and high-resolution nano-printing, as well as bio-functionalisation, encapsulation, and surface-patterning strategies. These approaches enable us to tailor implant architecture and mechanical behavior, incorporate bioactive molecules for controlled release, and optimize interactions between implant surfaces, blood, and cells.
Alongside implant design and fabrication, our research focuses on understanding and predicting biodegradation, biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and implant-induced immune responses. Rather than relying solely on conventional screening methods, we develop application-specific, cell-based in vitro models that reproduce physiologically relevant conditions.
News & Events
Our Research Topics
3D-Printed Auxetic Cardiac Patches: Polymer-based auxetic cardiac patches are fabricated using a 3D-Bioplotter. Their architectures and mechanical properties are tailored to mimic the anisotropic mechanical behavior of native cardiac tissue and support cardiac repair.
Biofunctionalization, Coating, and Encapsulation: Extracellular matrix components, specialized coatings, and encapsulated bioactive molecules, including nitric oxide donors, are used to promote endothelialisation, tissue integration, and regeneration.
Predictive Cell-Based In Vitro Models for Immune Responses and Biodegradation: Application-specific, cell-based in vitro models are established to mimic relevant physiological conditions and assess implant-induced immune responses, cell–material interactions, and biodegradation before in vivo evaluation.
Biodegradable Antibacterial Mitral Annuloplasty Ring: In collaboration with Univ. Prof. Dr. Bruno K. Podesser and RHP-Technology, a biodegradable, antibacterial mitral annuloplasty ring with a magnesium core is being developed to provide temporary mechanical support and reduce the risk of implant-associated infection.
Nano- and Micropatterned Surfaces for Blood-Contacting Implants: In collaboration with Prof. Francesco Moscato and with full funding from the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research (LBI), nano- and micropatterned implant surfaces are fabricated using a high-resolution nano-printer. Dynamic flow models are used to assess hemocompatibility and cellular responses under controlled shear conditions.
Akademic Cooperations
National Cooperations
- Francesco Moscato (Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, MUW)
- Stefan Baudis (Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, TU Vienna)
- Heinrich Schima (Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, MUW)
- Barbara Messner (Department of cardiac and thoracic surgery - Cardiac Surgery Research Laboratory, MUW)
- Ingrid Walter (Institute of Morphology, Vetmeduni Vienna)
- Laszlo Sajti (RHP-Technology GmbH)
International Cooperations
Eileen Gentleman (King’s College London, UK)
Eleanor Stride (University of Oxford, UK)
Mohan Edirisinghe (University College London, UK)