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Artificial Cells and HepG2 Cells in 3D-Bioprinted Arrangements
Isabella N Westensee1, Lars J M M Paffen1, Stefan Pendlmayr1,2
1Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|January 26, 2024
Summary
Engineered artificial cells mimic liver enzyme CYP1A2 activity, enhancing dealkylation in 3D bioprinted HepG2 cell structures. These semi-synthetic tissues show sustained function and cell proliferation for tissue engineering applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Tissue Engineering
- Synthetic Biology
Background:
- Artificial cells are engineered units designed to perform cell-like functions.
- Metalloporphyrin-equipped artificial cells can mimic cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, such as CYP1A2.
- HepG2 cells are a human liver cell line commonly used in research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize artificial cells with CYP1A2-like activity for integration into 3D bioprinted structures.
- To enhance the dealkylation activity within HepG2 cell-based 3D bioprinted constructs.
- To explore the potential of combining artificial cells with living cells for advanced tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Artificial cells were fabricated using alginate and metalloporphyrins to mimic CYP1A2 activity.
- HepG2 cell aggregates were 3D bioprinted using an alginate/gelatin methacryloyl ink.
- Composite inks containing HepG2 cells and artificial cells were developed and characterized.
- The dealkylation enhancement was monitored by measuring resorufin production from resorufin ethyl ether.
Main Results:
- The artificial cells demonstrated preserved CYP1A2-like activity over 35 days, producing 6 nM resorufin in 8 hours.
- HepG2 cells within the 3D bioprinted structures showed successful proliferation over 35 days.
- Composite inks and 3D bioprinted structures incorporating artificial cells exhibited boosted CYP1A2 activity.
Conclusions:
- Artificial cells can be successfully integrated with HepG2 cells in 3D bioprinted constructs, enhancing liver-like functions.
- The developed semi-synthetic tissues maintain cell viability and engineered enzymatic activity over an extended period.
- This approach represents a significant step towards bottom-up synthetic biology for creating functional tissue constructs.
