Recombinant Spidroin Microgel as the Base of Cell-Engineered Constructs Mediates Liver Regeneration in Rats

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Hepatology

Background:

• Chronic liver failure necessitates innovative treatments, with liver regeneration via cell-engineered constructs (CECs) being a promising avenue.
• Developing effective CECs requires suitable matrix materials for cell adhesion and support.
• Recombinant spidroin rS1/9 is explored as a novel biomaterial for CEC development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the applicability of recombinant spidroin rS1/9 for creating cell-engineered constructs (CECs).
• To investigate the therapeutic potential of rS1/9-based CECs in a rat model of chronic liver failure.

Main Methods:

• Allogenic liver cells and multipotent mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells (MMSC BM) were adhered to a microgel composed of recombinant spidroin rS1/9.
• Implantable CECs were studied in a rat model (n=80) induced with chronic liver failure via carbon tetrachloride poisoning.

Main Results:

• The developed cell-engineered constructs (CECs) demonstrated significant alterations in biochemical test values in rats with chronic liver failure.
• Morphological parameters in the rat liver models were positively influenced by the implantation of rS1/9-based CECs.

Conclusions:

• Microgel-based cell-engineered constructs incorporating recombinant spidroin rS1/9 exhibit a positive therapeutic effect in managing chronic liver failure.
• Recombinant spidroin rS1/9 is a viable material for developing cell-engineered constructs for liver regeneration and failure treatment.