Generation of Hepatic Tissue Structures Using Multicellular Spheroid Culture

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Tissue Engineering
• Hepatology

Background:

• Hepatocytes within multicellular spheroids (MCSs) exhibit reduced hepatic functions compared to in vivo liver cells.
• Conventional hepatic MCSs lack liver-specific microstructures, such as hepatic cords, hindering optimal function.
• Replicating the structural features of hepatic cords is crucial for enhancing hepatic functions in engineered tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer the microarchitecture of hepatic multicellular spheroids (MCSs).
• To mimic the structural features of hepatic cords within MCSs.
• To improve the hepatic functions of hepatocytes in engineered MCS models.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel method for engineering microarchitectures within hepatic MCSs.
• Utilizing the formation of void spaces within the MCS structure.
• Incorporating extracellular matrices (ECMs) into the MCS to engineer microarchitecture.

Main Results:

• Successfully engineered microarchitectures in hepatic MCSs.
• Demonstrated the ability to create void spaces or fill with ECMs.
• Laid the groundwork for improved hepatic function representation in MCS models.

Conclusions:

• The developed method allows for the precise engineering of hepatic MCS microarchitecture.
• Mimicking liver-specific structures like hepatic cords is achievable through void formation or ECM filling.
• This approach holds potential for advancing hepatic tissue engineering and disease modeling.