Biological Vascularized Scaffold: Basis of a Liver Cell Module

• Published in: Tissue engineering. Part A 2009-03, Vol.15 (3), p.712-712
• Main Authors: Linke, K, Schanz, J, Mertsching, H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1937-3341; 1937-335X

We've developed a vascularized liver module, which enables a physiological co-culture of hepatocytes (HC) and endothelial cells (EC). Basis is a vascularized matrix which provides a blood vessel network for EC an HC co-culture and the transport of nutrients, metabolites and gases or the removal of toxic metabolites by physiological perfusion. The used vascularized matrix is chemically acellularized and consists of a porcine jejunal segment with a maintained vascular system including an arterial inflow and venous reflux. The vascular structures are reseeded with ECs or progenitor cells (PC) from the bone marrow aspirate. After 7-14 days hepatocytes are seeded on the matrix lumen to start the co-culture. During the cultivation period the matrix is perfused with medium over the artery in a bioreactor system. The flow rate is controlled (sensor, computer) to simulate in vivo blood flow. The cells were characterized for the expression of liver specific markers, vitality and for metabolic activities. Human ECs/PCs were seeded successfully via the arterial inflow in the vascular bed of the matrix. Vital human HCs could be repopulated on the surface of the lumen. The culture of HCs on the matrix shows good results for vitality, conservation of liver-specific functions and formation of cell-matrix contacts. Our aim's the development of a vascularized liver module with physiological liver cell functions for pharmaceutical substance screening. Furthermore the system could be enhanced with other cell types (e.g. stem cells) for special applications. A future challenge is the construction of a liver transplant to reduce transplant shortage.