Image-Guided Injectable Niche for Hepatocyte Transplantation

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Hepatology

Background:

• Liver transplantation is limited by donor scarcity and access issues.
• Current cell therapies face challenges with engraftment, localization, and delivery methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a minimally invasive, image-guided cell delivery platform for liver cell therapy.
• To create an injectable, self-assembling scaffold that supports cell function and vascularization.

Main Methods:

• Developed INSITE (Injected Self-assembled Image-guided Tissue Ensembles), an injectable platform of hepatocytes and hydrogel microspheres.
• Utilized ultrasound-guided injection for precise delivery and in situ scaffold assembly.
• Assessed graft localization, vascular integration, cell function, and scaffold remodeling in vivo.

Main Results:

• INSITE enabled precise, image-guided delivery and in situ scaffold formation.
• Achieved persistent graft visibility, vascular integration, and long-term hepatocyte function.
• Demonstrated control over scaffold properties to enhance graft function and vascular recruitment.

Conclusions:

• INSITE provides a clinically compatible strategy for minimally invasive cell therapies.
• This platform addresses key challenges in cell therapy delivery and engraftment.
• Offers a promising approach for treating end-stage liver disease and other conditions.