Biomaterials and Culture Technologies for Regenerative Therapy of Liver Tissue

Abstract

Regenerative approach has emerged to substitute the current extracorporeal technologies for the treatment of diseased and damaged liver tissue. This is based on the use of biomaterials that modulate the responses of hepatic cells through the unique matrix properties tuned to recapitulate regenerative functions. Cells in liver preserve their phenotype or differentiate through the interactions with extracellular matrix molecules. Therefore, the intrinsic properties of the engineered biomaterials, such as stiffness and surface topography, need to be tailored to induce appropriate cellular functions. The matrix physical stimuli can be combined with biochemical cues, such as immobilized functional groups or the delivered actions of signaling molecules. Furthermore, the external modulation of cells, through cocultures with nonparenchymal cells (e.g., endothelial cells) that can signal bioactive molecules, is another promising avenue to regenerate liver tissue. This review disseminates the recent approaches of regenerating liver tissue, with a focus on the development of biomaterials and the related culture technologies.

Advanced Biomaterials and Processing Methods for Liver Regeneration: State‐of‐the‐Art and Future Trends

“…The biomaterials used for liver regeneration can be classified as natural polymers, synthetic matrices, and decellularized matrix . These biomaterials can be used in different forms, such as films, nanofibers, microspheres, hydrogels, and porous scaffolds, among others …”

“…HA is a main component of perisinusoidal space in liver . Exogenous HA has the potential to provide faster healing due to its high hydrophilicity and biocompatibility.…”

“…Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, with metabolic lactic acid as its degradation product . Wang et al prepared nanoporous poly( l ‐lactic acid) (PLLA) fibers, coated with type I collagen, to provide a unique topography together with a cytophilic surface to promote the functions of primary hepatocytes ( Figure ).…”

“…In the recent years, a variety of cells have been encapsulated and delivered by different materials. From a liver TE perspective, biomaterials are commonly processed as 3D porous/fibrous scaffolds, hydrogels, and microspheres . Decellularized liver matrices are also quite appealing for liver tissue regeneration, but their lack of availability hinders clinical applications …”

“…From a liver TE perspective, biomaterials are commonly processed as 3D porous/fibrous scaffolds, hydrogels, and microspheres. [125] Decellularized liver matrices are also quite appealing for liver tissue regeneration, but their lack of avail ability hinders clinical applications. [126] Scaffolds: Scaffolds not only provide structure for cells to grow in a 3D environment but are also able to assure nutrient supply due to the existence of large interconnected pores.…”