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Bioprinting Cellularized Constructs Using a Tissue-specific Hydrogel Bioink
Published on: April 21, 2016
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Microfluidic 3D printing hydrogels based on fish liver decellularized extracellular matrix for liver regeneration
Haozhen Ren1, Danqing Huang1, Mengdi Qiu1
1Division of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery Department of General Surgery Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School Nanjing China.
Smart Medicine
|January 8, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel 3D printed hydrogel from fish liver extracellular matrix for liver regeneration. This biocompatible scaffold supports liver cells and improves outcomes in acute liver failure models.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Liver transplantation faces donor shortages, driving research into tissue engineering solutions.
- Hydrogel scaffolds are crucial for scalable liver regeneration, requiring natural components and advanced fabrication.
- Developing functional, biocompatible scaffolds is key for successful liver tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel microfluidic 3D printed hydrogel scaffold derived from decellularized fish liver extracellular matrix for liver regeneration.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility, cellular integration, and functional capacity of the hydrogel with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes (iPSC-heps).
- To assess the therapeutic efficacy of the hydrogel in a mouse model of acute liver failure.
Main Methods:
- Decellularization of fish liver to obtain extracellular matrix, followed by combination with gelatin methacryloyl.
- Microfluidic-assisted 3D printing to fabricate hydrogel scaffolds with controlled composition and architecture.
- Incorporation and culture of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocytes (iPSC-heps) within the hydrogel scaffolds.
- In vivo transplantation studies in mice with acute liver failure.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel scaffold retained essential endogenous growth factors, demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and promoting iPSC-hep proliferation.
- The scaffold's architecture and biomechanical properties supported optimal functional expression of iPSC-heps.
- Post-transplantation, the hydrogels significantly improved survival rates and liver function in mice with acute liver failure.
- The hydrogels promoted liver regeneration and repair in the animal model.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidic 3D printed hydrogels derived from decellularized fish liver matrix are promising for liver regeneration.
- These scaffolds offer a biocompatible and functional platform for incorporating hepatocytes for transplantation.
- The study highlights the potential of these engineered hydrogels for treating acute liver failure and advancing liver transplantation.
