Today, transplant rejection continues to hinder the efforts of doctors and researchers around the world. Many people lose their lives, directly or indirectly, to this medical complication. In addition, the prophylactic administration of immunosupressant drugs in transplant patients contribute to death by infection and malignacies.

The Cardiac Nanocomposite Hydrogel Film (CNHF) utilizes PLGA (poly lactic-co-glycolic acid) as a delivery vehicle for EDCI treated donor antigens and the drugs rapamycin and a-1-antitrypsin. Upon application to the donor heart, the CNHF will induce antigen tolerance within the recipient immune system, ensuring the indefinite protection of cardiac allografts.

Ultimately, the CNHF is a feasible and effective future technology that holds the unique potential to revolutionize transplant systems and prolong the lives of both transplants and patients in hospitals around the world.