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Three-Dimensional Collagen Matrix Scaffold Implantation as a Liver Regeneration Strategy
Published on: June 29, 2021
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Improving functional re-endothelialization of acellular liver scaffold using REDV cell-binding domain
Julie Devalliere1, Yibin Chen1, Kevin Dooley1
1Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, MA, USA.
Acta Biomaterialia
|August 3, 2018
Summary
Researchers enhanced liver tissue engineering by conjugating REDV-ELP peptides to decellularized scaffolds, improving endothelial cell attachment and reducing clotting for potential transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Organ transplantation faces donor shortages, driving demand for engineered tissues.
- Decellularized organ scaffolds offer potential for transplantation but struggle with vascularization.
- Efficient re-endothelialization is crucial to prevent clotting and ensure graft survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient method for re-endothelializing decellularized liver scaffolds.
- To improve endothelial cell (EC) attachment and proliferation on vascular walls.
- To reduce thrombogenicity of bioengineered liver constructs.
Main Methods:
- Decellularized rat liver scaffolds were functionalized with REDV-ELP fusion protein.
- REDV-ELP enhances endothelial cell adhesion via the REDV cell-binding domain.
- Elastin-like peptide (ELP) facilitates REDV-ELP purification and conjugation.
- Endothelial cells were seeded onto functionalized scaffolds via portal vein perfusion.
Main Results:
- REDV-ELP conjugation significantly increased EC attachment, spreading, and proliferation.
- Uniform endothelial lining of the scaffold vasculature was achieved.
- Platelet adhesion and activation were markedly reduced on REDV-ELP treated scaffolds.
- Functional re-endothelialization of the liver scaffold was demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- REDV-ELP functionalization is an effective strategy for enhancing scaffold re-endothelialization.
- This approach addresses a key challenge in bioengineered liver development.
- The method shows promise for creating functional, transplantable bioengineered livers.
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