New Hybrid Biomaterial Reveals Potential to Reverse Heart Aging Effects

In a groundbreaking study published on June 13, 2025, in the journal *Nature Materials*, researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) unveiled a hybrid biomaterial that may hold the key to reversing age-related dysfunction in heart cells. Led by Assistant Professor Jennifer Young from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at NUS, the research focuses on the extracellular matrix (ECM)—the supportive framework surrounding heart cells—rather than the cells themselves. This innovative approach could transform therapies aimed at rejuvenating the heart and possibly other organs impacted by aging.

The study highlights that as the heart ages, the ECM becomes stiffer and its biochemical composition deteriorates, which negatively affects heart cell function. "Most aging research focuses on how cells change over time," noted Asst Prof Young. "Our study looks instead at the ECM and how changes in this environment affect heart aging."

The research team developed a novel hybrid biomaterial called DECIPHER (DECellularized In Situ Polyacrylamide Hydrogel-ECM hybrid), which mimics the ECM's stiffness and composition. This biomaterial allows for independent manipulation of stiffness and biochemical signals, an advancement that could enhance understanding of heart aging. Avery Rui Sun, a Ph.D. student and first author of the study, emphasized that this platform enables researchers to discern which ECM changes drive heart cell dysfunction.

In experiments, aged heart cells placed on DECIPHER scaffolds that simulated "young" ECM cues exhibited rejuvenated behavior, indicating a shift in gene activity associated with aging. Conversely, young heart cells placed on aged ECM showed signs of dysfunction, demonstrating that the biochemical signals surrounding the cells are critical for maintaining their health. "This suggests that if we can find a way to restore these signals in the aging heart, we might be able to reverse some of the damage and improve how the heart functions over time," stated Asst Prof Young.

The implications of this research extend beyond cardiac health. The researchers believe that the DECIPHER method could be adapted to study aging and diseases in other organs, such as the kidneys and skin, due to the ECM's fundamental role in cell behavior across various tissues. Asst Prof Young elaborated on this potential: "Many age-related diseases involve changes in tissue stiffness—not just in the heart. This approach could also be applied to study conditions like fibrosis or even cancer."

The study's findings open new avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting the ECM to preserve heart health during aging. While the research is still in its early stages, the prospects for developing therapies that rejuvenate the heart through ECM modulation appear promising. This groundbreaking research underscores the need for further exploration into the ECM's role in heart aging and its potential applications in regenerative medicine.

In conclusion, the DECIPHER hybrid biomaterial represents a significant stride in understanding and potentially reversing cardiac aging. As researchers continue to explore this innovative approach, the future of heart health may hinge on the ability to manipulate the cellular environment rather than solely focusing on the cells themselves. This paradigm shift in aging research could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies that enhance heart function and overall health in aging populations.