Pfannkuche, Kurt P - assoc. RG 17

Our lab focusses on induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes. We aim to optimize transplantation of cardiac organoids (COs) into the myocardium after myocardial infarction. Cardiac organoids are basically spherical tissues that are about 1 mm in size. They contain the different cell types found in the myocardium. Current projects of the group address questions of intramyocardial cell engraftment; improved bioreactor technologies and 3D culture models are being developed. Recently, we have made substantial progress in the upscaling of CO formation in stirred tank bioreactor culture. We work with national and international groups on basic research in cardiac tissue engineering and related topics.

In collaboration with our industry partners, the laboratory facilitates the development of stem-cell-related products, with a primary focus on cardiovascular cells and COs. Main industry partners are: First Stem Cell and Genomics Laboratory (FSG, Dubai), Biothrust (Aachen), Iventim (Munich), Innovitro (Jülich), Nanion (Munich) and VitrofluidiX (Cologne).

Cardiovascular diseases are among the major causes of death in the western hemisphere. Stem cell based technologies will pave the way towards novel therapies of cardiac diseases such as cardiac infarction. Our research strategy will generate knowledge in the field of artificial tissues and organs for future therapies in vivo as well as novel test systems for pharmaceuticals in vitro.

For more information, please visit the Lab Website.  

• Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC)
• Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology – Institute for Neurophysiology
• Department for Paediatric Cardiology
• Marga-and-Walter-Boll-Laboratory for Cardiac Tissue Engineering