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A Biomimetic Model for Liver Cancer to Study Tumor-Stroma Interactions in a 3D Environment with Tunable Bio-Physical Properties
Published on: August 7, 2020
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Constructing biomimetic liver models through biomaterials and vasculature engineering
Weikang Lv1,2, Hongzhao Zhou1,2, Abdellah Aazmi1,2
1State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Regenerative Biomaterials
|November 7, 2022
Summary
Liver tissue engineering utilizes cells and biomaterials to create functional liver constructs, addressing donor shortages for transplantation and drug testing. Advanced methods enable vascularized microenvironments for improved hepatocyte function and disease modeling.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Materials Science
Background:
- Liver diseases cause significant mortality worldwide, creating a need for alternatives to liver transplantation.
- Donor shortages limit transplantation and hinder drug toxicity studies.
- Liver tissue engineering offers a promising solution by developing functional liver constructs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review biomaterials and advanced manufacturing techniques for liver tissue engineering.
- To explore applications in transplantation, disease modeling, and drug testing.
- To discuss challenges and future prospects in vascularized liver tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing mature hepatocytes or differentiated stem cells for spheroids and organoids.
- Employing biocompatible and bioactive biomaterials (natural hydrogels, synthetic polymers) to mimic the extracellular matrix.
- Implementing advanced manufacturing techniques like bioassembly, bioprinting, and microfluidics for vascularized microenvironments.
Main Results:
- Structured 3D culture systems enhance hepatocyte activity and protein characterization.
- Biomaterials support cell proliferation, differentiation, ECM deposition, and vascularization.
- Engineered liver tissues show potential in transplant, regeneration, disease models, and drug cytotoxicity analysis.
Conclusions:
- Liver tissue engineering is advancing with novel biomaterials and manufacturing techniques.
- Vascularized microenvironments are crucial for functional liver constructs.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges and realize the full potential of liver tissue engineering.
