Orthotopic implantable liver decellularized scaffold for acute liver failure

Abstract

Decellularized scaffolds have an irreplaceable role in the development of tissue engineering. Challenges in this field are concentrated on shaping macro-scale constructs and maintaining blood flow. Here, we establish a whole liver perfused decellularized scaffold cultured with hepatocytes for transplantable bioengineered liver construction. Owing to retained intact gross morphology of liver, geometric structure and biomechanical environment can support whole liver lobe transplantation. Besides, unremoved extracellular matrix (ECM) and vascular networks can delivery continuous nutrient for cell adhesion. Based on recellularized bioengineering liver scaffold, we have demonstrated its excellent hepatic functions when it orthotopic implanted in acute liver failure (ALF) rats, along with the prolonged survival rate and improved biochemical indicators. These outstanding properties indicate that the orthotopic implantable liver scaffold has broad clinical application prospects in the treatment of ALF and other regeneration diseases.

Keywords

• Decellularized scaffolds
• Orthotopic implant
• Acute liver failure
• Tissue engineering
• Extracellular matrix