IRCBM, CUI Lahore, with the University of Strasbourg, France, held an international symposium on plant-derived biomaterials in cardiac regeneration on 11 August 2026 under the HEC–PERIDOT bilateral research grant.
The International Symposium on “Nature’s Pharmacy for a Failing Heart: Plant-Derived Biomaterials in Cardiac Regeneration” was successfully organized on 11 August 2026 by the Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials (IRCBM), COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Lahore Campus, in direct collaboration with the University of Strasbourg, France. Funded under the prestigious HEC–PERIDOT bilateral research grant framework, the symposium served as a multidisciplinary platform bridging natural product chemistry, biomaterials tissue engineering, and clinical cardiology.
The event brought together international experts, cardiovascular surgeons, research faculty, and early-career scholars to present cutting-edge strategies for myocardial repair and vascular regeneration. Key focus areas included plant-derived bioactive compounds, acellular/recellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) constructs, and bioactive cardiac patches designed to induce endogenous tissue repair.
The symposium was attended by distinguished faculty members from IRCBM, along with enthusiastic participation from M.Phil and PhD students from LCWU, GCU, PU, UOL, COMSATS, Minhaj University, Kingston College Lahore and Khyber Medical University, as well as Brock University (Ontario, Canada) and participants joining from Belgium, TĂĽrkiye and China.
Speakers & Sessions
- Keynote Speaker: Prof. Dr. Valérie Schini-Kerth (University of Strasbourg, France) – Natural products to promote vascular and cardiac health — the significance of natural phytochemicals in the repair and regeneration of cardiac tissue and the formation of blood vessels.
- Invited Speaker: Dr. Syed Raffay Ali Gilani (FCPS, FACS • Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore) – Tissue Engineered Materials in Cardiovascular Surgery: The Surgeon’s Perspective
- Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Faiza Sharif (Professor & Principal Investigator, IRCBM, CUI Lahore Campus) – Research from the PERIDOT project on the Fabrication of Cardiac Patches to Induce Endogenous Cardiomyocyte Regeneration
- Invited Talk: Dr. Hira Muzammil (PERIDOT project • visiting IRCBM in person) – Reversal of Age-Related Diastolic Dysfunction in Rats by Procyanidins and Oenothein B, with suppression of eNOS-NO/ROS imbalance and reduced left ventricular remodeling and fibrosis.
- Training Session: Dr. Madiha Saeed (Assistant Professor, IRCBM) – Training session on research funding and the international PhD roadmap
- Welcome & Inaugural Session (IRCBM, CUI Lahore Campus) – Inaugural and welcome announcement by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yar, Prof. Dr. Anila Asif and Prof. Dr. Faiza Sharif.
Key Scientific Highlights
- Clinical–Translational Integration: Dr. Syed Raffay Ali Gilani provided key clinical insights regarding surgical handling, suture strength, and bio-integration requirements for cardiac patches, ensuring engineering designs align with surgical reality.
- Plant-Derived Bioactive Molecules: Discussions highlighted the therapeutic potential of polyphenols (procyanidins and oenothein B) in addressing oxidative stress (eNOS-NO/ROS imbalance), reducing left ventricular remodeling, and treating age-related cardiac dysfunction.
- Scaffold Engineering & Regeneration: Prof. Dr. Faiza Sharif showcased progress in developing acellular matrix (AM) and recellularized cardiac patches designed to foster cardiomyocyte regeneration.
- International Collaboration Growth: The HEC–PERIDOT initiative strengthened research linkages between CUI Lahore and the University of Strasbourg, establishing pathways for joint publications and student exchanges.
Organised in collaboration: IRCBM, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus — HEC–PERIDOT Project × Université de Strasbourg • 2026.
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