As chemicals can strongly influence heart proper functioning, the study of their biological effects on the cardiac tissue is highly relevant in the scientific community. Currently, chemicals are tested in animal and bi-dimensional (2D) in vitro models. Despite their widespread use, animal models have limitations due to anatomical and physiological differences from humans and ethical concerns. Conversely, 2D models only provide indicative results, lacking complexity and three-dimensionality (3D). These issues have recently opened the way towards the design of in vitro bioengineered 3D cardiac tissue models. This thesis aimed to contribute to this emerging field by designing 3D scaffolds and hydrogels to be used as 3D framework and cell carrier, respectively, to assemble in vitro cardiac models for cardiotoxicity testing.