.......................................................................................................................................... 2 Table of Figures .............................................................................................................................. 5 Table of Tables ............................................................................................................................... 6 Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................................... 7 Significance................................................................................................................................. 7 Chapter 2: Literature Review .......................................................................................................... 9 The Heart .................................................................................................................................... 9 Structure .................................................................................................................................. 9 Mechanical Function ............................................................................................................. 12 Electrical Function ................................................................................................................ 14 Arrhythmia ............................................................................................................................ 19 Artificial Pacemakers ................................................................................................................ 20 Parts to a pacemaker ............................................................................................................. 21 Types of artificial pacemakers .............................................................................................. 22 Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hMSC) Driven Biological Pacemaker ................................ 23 Cell Delivery ............................................................................................................................. 25 Scaffolding ............................................................................................................................ 25 Chapter 3: Project Strategy ........................................................................................................... 30 Client Statement ........................................................................................................................ 30 Prioritization of Functions and Safety Measures ...................................................................... 33 Chapter 4: Design Criteria ............................................................................................................ 37 Porosity ..................................................................................................................................... 37 Strength ..................................................................................................................................... 37 Preliminary Designs .................................................................................................................. 39 Cross-linked Scaffold............................................................................................................ 39 Scaffold with Pores ............................................................................................................... 40 Material Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 41 Material Processing ................................................................................................................... 43 Chapter 5: Design Verification ..................................................................................................... 44 Culturing Mesenchymal Stem Cells ......................................................................................... 44 Experimental Design ................................................................................................................. 45 Preparing for Cell Assays ..................................................................................................... 46