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Park SY, Koh WG, Lee HJ. Enhanced hepatotoxicity assessment through encapsulated HepG2 spheroids in gelatin hydrogel matrices: Bridging the gap from 2D to 3D culture. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 202:114417. [PMID: 39013493 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Conventional 2D drug screening often fails to accurately predict clinical outcomes. We present an innovative approach to improve hepatotoxicity assessment by encapsulating HepG2 spheroids in gelatin hydrogel matrices with different mechanical properties. Encapsulated spheroids exhibit sustained liver-specific functionality, enhanced expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes, and increased drug sensitivity compared to 2D cultures. The platform detects critical variations in drug response, with significant differences in IC50 values between 2D and spheroid cultures ranging from 1.3-fold to > 13-fold, particularly for acetaminophen. Furthermore, drug-metabolizing enzyme expression varies across hydrogel concentrations, suggesting a role for matrix mechanical properties in modulating hepatocyte function. This novel spheroid-hydrogel platform offers a transformative approach to hepatotoxicity assessment, providing increased sensitivity, improved prediction, and a more physiologically relevant environment. The use of such advanced in vitro models can accelerate drug development, reduce animal testing, and contribute to improved patient safety and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Yeon Park
- School of Chemical, Biological and Battery Engineering, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Gun Koh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyun Jong Lee
- School of Chemical, Biological and Battery Engineering, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnam-daero, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13120, Republic of Korea.
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Omidian H, Chowdhury SD, Wilson RL. Advancements and Challenges in Hydrogel Engineering for Regenerative Medicine. Gels 2024; 10:238. [PMID: 38667657 PMCID: PMC11049258 DOI: 10.3390/gels10040238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This manuscript covers the latest advancements and persisting challenges in the domain of tissue engineering, with a focus on the development and engineering of hydrogel scaffolds. It highlights the critical role of these scaffolds in emulating the native tissue environment, thereby providing a supportive matrix for cell growth, tissue integration, and reducing adverse reactions. Despite significant progress, this manuscript emphasizes the ongoing struggle to achieve an optimal balance between biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical stability, crucial for clinical success. It also explores the integration of cutting-edge technologies like 3D bioprinting and biofabrication in constructing complex tissue structures, alongside innovative materials and techniques aimed at enhancing tissue growth and functionality. Through a detailed examination of these efforts, the manuscript sheds light on the potential of hydrogels in advancing regenerative medicine and the necessity for multidisciplinary collaboration to navigate the challenges ahead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Omidian
- Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA; (S.D.C.); (R.L.W.)
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Kim MK, Park J, Tak S, Paek K, Bang G, Woo SM, Ravichandran NK, Hong WG, Kang HW, Kim H, Bae JY, Kim JA. A long-term storable gel-laden chip composite built in a multi-well plate enabling in situcell encapsulation for high-throughput liver model. Biofabrication 2024; 16:025020. [PMID: 38390723 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad28ef] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels are widely used as scaffold materials for constructingin vitrothree-dimensional microphysiological systems. However, their high sensitivity to various external cues hinders the development of hydrogel-laden, microscale, and high-throughput chips. Here, we have developed a long-term storable gel-laden chip composite built in a multi-well plate, which enablesin situcell encapsulation and facilitates high-throughput analysis. Through optimized chemical crosslinking and freeze-drying method (C/FD), we have achieved a high-quality of gel-laden chip composite with excellent transparency, uniform porosity, and appropriate swelling and mechanical characteristics. Besides collagen, decellularized extracellular matrix with tissue-specific biochemical compound has been applied as chip composite. As a ready-to-use platform,in situcell encapsulation within the gel has been achieved through capillary force generated during gel reswelling. The liver-mimetic chip composite, comprising HepG2 cells or primary hepatocytes, has demonstrated favorable hepatic functionality and high sensitivity in drug testing. The developed fabrication process with improved stability of gels and storability allows chip composites to be stored at a wide range of temperatures for up to 28 d without any deformation, demonstrating off-the-shelf products. Consequently, this provides an exceptionally simple and long-term storable platform that can be utilized for an efficient tissue-specific modeling and various biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyeong Kim
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon 34133, Republic of Korea
| | - Jubin Park
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon 34133, Republic of Korea
- Program in Biomicro System Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungho Tak
- Center for Bio-Imaging and Translational Research, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyurim Paek
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon 34133, Republic of Korea
- Program in Biomicro System Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Geul Bang
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju 28119, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Mi Woo
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon 34133, Republic of Korea
| | - Naresh Kumar Ravichandran
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon 34133, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Gi Hong
- Research Center for Materials Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon 34133, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Wook Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulju-gun 44919, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang Kim
- Institute of New Horizon Regenerative Medicine, Myongji Hospital, Goyang 10475, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Yong Bae
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon 34133, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Ah Kim
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon 34133, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bio-Analytical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
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Carvalho AM, Bansal R, Barrias CC, Sarmento B. The Material World of 3D-Bioprinted and Microfluidic-Chip Models of Human Liver Fibrosis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307673. [PMID: 37961933 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials are extensively used to mimic cell-matrix interactions, which are essential for cell growth, function, and differentiation. This is particularly relevant when developing in vitro disease models of organs rich in extracellular matrix, like the liver. Liver disease involves a chronic wound-healing response with formation of scar tissue known as fibrosis. At early stages, liver disease can be reverted, but as disease progresses, reversion is no longer possible, and there is no cure. Research for new therapies is hampered by the lack of adequate models that replicate the mechanical properties and biochemical stimuli present in the fibrotic liver. Fibrosis is associated with changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix that directly influence cell behavior. Biomaterials could play an essential role in better emulating the disease microenvironment. In this paper, the recent and cutting-edge biomaterials used for creating in vitro models of human liver fibrosis are revised, in combination with cells, bioprinting, and/or microfluidics. These technologies have been instrumental to replicate the intricate structure of the unhealthy tissue and promote medium perfusion that improves cell growth and function, respectively. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of material hints and cell-material interactions in a tridimensional context is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Carvalho
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell Biophysics, Technical Medical Center, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina C Barrias
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- IUCS - Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, CESPU, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, Gandra, 4585-116, Portugal
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Kim MK, Jeong W, Jeon S, Kang HW. 3D bioprinting of dECM-incorporated hepatocyte spheroid for simultaneous promotion of cell-cell and -ECM interactions. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1305023. [PMID: 38026892 PMCID: PMC10679743 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1305023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell spheroid technology, which greatly enhances cell-cell interactions, has gained significant attention in the development of in vitro liver models. However, existing cell spheroid technologies still have limitations in improving hepatocyte-extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction, which have a significant impact on hepatic function. In this study, we have developed a novel bioprinting technology for decellularized ECM (dECM)-incorporated hepatocyte spheroids that could enhance both cell-cell and -ECM interactions simultaneously. To provide a biomimetic environment, a porcine liver dECM-based cell bio-ink was developed, and a spheroid printing process using this bio-ink was established. As a result, we precisely printed the dECM-incorporated hepatocyte spheroids with a diameter of approximately 160-220 μm using primary mouse hepatocyte (PMHs). The dECM materials were uniformly distributed within the bio-printed spheroids, and even after more than 2 weeks of culture, the spheroids maintained their spherical shape and high viability. The incorporation of dECM also significantly improved the hepatic function of hepatocyte spheroids. Compared to hepatocyte-only spheroids, dECM-incorporated hepatocyte spheroids showed approximately 4.3- and 2.5-fold increased levels of albumin and urea secretion, respectively, and a 2.0-fold increase in CYP enzyme activity. These characteristics were also reflected in the hepatic gene expression levels of ALB, HNF4A, CPS1, and others. Furthermore, the dECM-incorporated hepatocyte spheroids exhibited up to a 1.8-fold enhanced drug responsiveness to representative hepatotoxic drugs such as acetaminophen, celecoxib, and amiodarone. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the dECM-incorporated spheroid printing technology has great potential for the development of highly functional in vitro liver tissue models for drug toxicity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- Center for Scientific Instrumentation, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonwoo Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Seunggyu Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Hyun-Wook Kang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
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Hussein M, Pasqua M, Pereira U, Benzoubir N, Duclos-Vallée JC, Dubart-Kupperschmitt A, Legallais C, Messina A. Microencapsulated Hepatocytes Differentiated from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells: Optimizing 3D Culture for Tissue Engineering Applications. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060865. [PMID: 36980206 PMCID: PMC10047414 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cell therapy and in vitro models require functional human hepatocytes, the sources of which are considerably limited. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represent a promising and unlimited source of differentiated human hepatocytes. However, when obtained in two-dimensional (2D) cultures these hepatocytes are not fully mature and functional. As three-dimensional culture conditions offer advantageous strategies for differentiation, we describe here a combination of three-dimensional (3D) approaches enabling the successful differentiation of functional hepatocytes from hiPSCs by the encapsulation of hiPSC-derived hepatoblasts in alginate beads of preformed aggregates. The resulting encapsulated and differentiated hepatocytes (E-iHep-Orgs) displayed a high level of albumin synthesis associated with the disappearance of α-fetoprotein (AFP) synthesis, thus demonstrating that the E-iHep-Orgs had reached a high level of maturation, similar to that of adult hepatocytes. Gene expression analysis by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence confirmed this maturation. Further functional assessments demonstrated their enzymatic activities, including lactate and ammonia detoxification, as well as biotransformation activities of Phase I and Phase II enzymes. This study provides proof of concept regarding the benefits of combining three-dimensional techniques (guided aggregation and microencapsulation) with liver differentiation protocols as a robust approach to generate mature and functional hepatocytes that offer a permanent and unlimited source of hepatocytes. Based on these encouraging results, our combined conditions to produce mature hepatocytes from hiPSCs could be extended to liver tissue engineering and bioartificial liver (BAL) applications at the human scale for which large biomasses are mandatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Hussein
- UMR_S 1193, INSERM/Université Paris Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Mattia Pasqua
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, F-94800 Villejuif, France
- UMR CNRS 7338 Biomechanics & Bioengineering, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Sorbonne Universités, F-60203 Compiegne, France
| | - Ulysse Pereira
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, F-94800 Villejuif, France
- UMR CNRS 7338 Biomechanics & Bioengineering, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Sorbonne Universités, F-60203 Compiegne, France
| | - Nassima Benzoubir
- UMR_S 1193, INSERM/Université Paris Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Jean-Charles Duclos-Vallée
- UMR_S 1193, INSERM/Université Paris Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Anne Dubart-Kupperschmitt
- UMR_S 1193, INSERM/Université Paris Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, F-94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Cecile Legallais
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, F-94800 Villejuif, France
- UMR CNRS 7338 Biomechanics & Bioengineering, Université de Technologie de Compiègne, Sorbonne Universités, F-60203 Compiegne, France
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (A.M.)
| | - Antonietta Messina
- UMR_S 1193, INSERM/Université Paris Saclay, F-94800 Villejuif, France
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) Hépatinov, F-94800 Villejuif, France
- Correspondence: (C.L.); (A.M.)
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Lv W, Zhou H, Aazmi A, Yu M, Xu X, Yang H, Huang YYS, Ma L. Constructing biomimetic liver models through biomaterials and vasculature engineering. Regen Biomater 2022; 9:rbac079. [PMID: 36338176 PMCID: PMC9629974 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbac079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of various liver diseases can lead to organ failure of the liver, which is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Liver tissue engineering see the potential for replacing liver transplantation and drug toxicity studies facing donor shortages. The basic elements in liver tissue engineering are cells and biomaterials. Both mature hepatocytes and differentiated stem cells can be used as the main source of cells to construct spheroids and organoids, achieving improved cell function. To mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment, biomaterials need to be biocompatible and bioactive, which also help support cell proliferation and differentiation and allow ECM deposition and vascularized structures formation. In addition, advanced manufacturing approaches are required to construct the extracellular microenvironment, and it has been proved that the structured three-dimensional culture system can help to improve the activity of hepatocytes and the characterization of specific proteins. In summary, we review biomaterials for liver tissue engineering, including natural hydrogels and synthetic polymers, and advanced processing techniques for building vascularized microenvironments, including bioassembly, bioprinting and microfluidic methods. We then summarize the application fields including transplant and regeneration, disease models and drug cytotoxicity analysis. In the end, we put the challenges and prospects of vascularized liver tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikang Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongzhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Abdellah Aazmi
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Mengfei Yu
- The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiaobin Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Huayong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | | | - Liang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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