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A novel modular bioreactor to in vitro study the hepatic sinusoid
Xavi Illa1, Sergi Vila2, Jose Yeste1
1Institut de Microelectrònica de Barcelona, IMB-CNM (CSIC), Bellaterra, Spain; CIBER-BBN, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain.
Plos One
|November 7, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed a novel bioreactor to study liver sinusoids in vitro. This versatile system improves cell culture and analysis, enhancing understanding of liver vascular biology.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Cell Biology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Liver sinusoid research requires advanced in vitro models.
- Existing models may lack precise control over cellular microenvironment and analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel, versatile bioreactor for in vitro analysis of the liver sinusoid.
- To demonstrate its utility in co-culturing liver cells under controlled conditions.
Main Methods:
- A modular bioreactor was designed using modified commercial porous membranes with elastomeric walls.
- The system allows controlled cell seeding, shear stress application, and individual cell type analysis.
- Endothelial cells (EC) and hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were co-cultured to test the device.
Main Results:
- The bioreactor facilitated optimal endothelial cell morphology.
- Hepatic stellate cell phenotype was improved, likely due to paracrine signaling from EC.
- The device demonstrated effective simulation of in vivo liver sinusoid organization.
Conclusions:
- The developed bioreactor offers a versatile and user-friendly co-culture system.
- It is suitable for biomedical research on vascular systems, particularly the liver.
- This system advances in vitro modeling for liver research and drug development.
