Advancements in tissue engineering for cardiovascular health: a biomedical engineering perspective Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major contributor to global cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Acute MI leads to the loss of a large number of cardiomyocytes (CMs), which the adult heart cannot replenish. This deficit often results in severe complications such as heart failure (HF), with whole heart transplantation being the only definitive treatment, though limited by its constraints. In response, the integration of bio-functional materials in cardiac tissue engineering has emerged as a groundbreaking approach. Bioengineering strategies involve the use of cells, engineering methods, and innovative materials to strengthen or replace biological tissues. Biomaterial scaffolds are crucial in this paradigm, providing a microenvironment conducive to the assembly of functional cardiac tissue. The field of cardiac tissue engineering has made significant strides, largely due to the application of biomaterial scaffolds. However, challenges remain, necessitating further exploration and innovation. This review explores the pivotal role of biomaterial scaffolds in cardiac tissue engineering, highlighting their utilization, challenges, and promising avenues for future advancement. By critically examining the current landscape, we aim to catalyze progress toward more effective solutions for cardiac tissue regeneration and improved outcomes for patients with cardiovascular ailments. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of non-communicable disease-related deaths, primarily due to reduced or blocked blood supply to the heart. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common cardiac emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. AMI can destroy up to 25% of the cardiomyocytes in the left ventricle, or one billion cells. Adults have limited and clinically negligible capacity to renew CMs, leading to insufficient replacement tissue formation. Heart failure (HF) is a complication of MI, and the only effective treatment for end-stage HF is whole heart transplantation, despite its complications. Alternative methods of heart regeneration are urgently needed. Recent technological advancements have enabled new therapeutic options, including effective regenerative treatments in preclinical models and clinical trials that offer promise for replacing damaged myocardium. Three-dimensional tissue printing, cardiac tissue engineering, and stem cell patches are among these novel options. Bifunctional materials and biomaterial matrices have shown promise as replacement materials for cardiovascular tissue. Stem cells and biomaterial scaffolds can be used in cardiac tissue engineering to build tissue constructs for drug screening or implantation. The review discusses the utilization, challenges, and promising avenues for future advancement of these scaffolds, providing a thorough analysis of the current landscape in this field. The focus is on how biomaterial scaffolds can address the deficit in cardiomyocytes post-MI and ultimately contribute to improved outcomes for patients with cardiovascular ailments. Through this review, the importance of innovative approaches in cardiac tissue engineering is emphasized.Advancements in tissue engineering for cardiovascular health: a biomedical engineering perspective Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major contributor to global cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Acute MI leads to the loss of a large number of cardiomyocytes (CMs), which the adult heart cannot replenish. This deficit often results in severe complications such as heart failure (HF), with whole heart transplantation being the only definitive treatment, though limited by its constraints. In response, the integration of bio-functional materials in cardiac tissue engineering has emerged as a groundbreaking approach. Bioengineering strategies involve the use of cells, engineering methods, and innovative materials to strengthen or replace biological tissues. Biomaterial scaffolds are crucial in this paradigm, providing a microenvironment conducive to the assembly of functional cardiac tissue. The field of cardiac tissue engineering has made significant strides, largely due to the application of biomaterial scaffolds. However, challenges remain, necessitating further exploration and innovation. This review explores the pivotal role of biomaterial scaffolds in cardiac tissue engineering, highlighting their utilization, challenges, and promising avenues for future advancement. By critically examining the current landscape, we aim to catalyze progress toward more effective solutions for cardiac tissue regeneration and improved outcomes for patients with cardiovascular ailments. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of non-communicable disease-related deaths, primarily due to reduced or blocked blood supply to the heart. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a common cardiac emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. AMI can destroy up to 25% of the cardiomyocytes in the left ventricle, or one billion cells. Adults have limited and clinically negligible capacity to renew CMs, leading to insufficient replacement tissue formation. Heart failure (HF) is a complication of MI, and the only effective treatment for end-stage HF is whole heart transplantation, despite its complications. Alternative methods of heart regeneration are urgently needed. Recent technological advancements have enabled new therapeutic options, including effective regenerative treatments in preclinical models and clinical trials that offer promise for replacing damaged myocardium. Three-dimensional tissue printing, cardiac tissue engineering, and stem cell patches are among these novel options. Bifunctional materials and biomaterial matrices have shown promise as replacement materials for cardiovascular tissue. Stem cells and biomaterial scaffolds can be used in cardiac tissue engineering to build tissue constructs for drug screening or implantation. The review discusses the utilization, challenges, and promising avenues for future advancement of these scaffolds, providing a thorough analysis of the current landscape in this field. The focus is on how biomaterial scaffolds can address the deficit in cardiomyocytes post-MI and ultimately contribute to improved outcomes for patients with cardiovascular ailments. Through this review, the importance of innovative approaches in cardiac tissue engineering is emphasized.