Researchers Generate Decellularized Livers, Ready for New Cells and Transplantation

In this study, we report successful decellularization of human livers to obtain transplantable whole organ scaffolds. We show proof of concept that these scaffolds can serve as feasible resources for future tissue-engineering purposes. Using a controlled perfusion system, a complete 3D acellular human liver scaffold was generated on a clinically relevant scale and free of allo-antigens. We present the feasibility of systematically upscaling the decellularization process to discarded human livers. Eleven human livers were efficiently decellularized by nonionic detergents by machine perfusion. A careful choice of the decellularization methodology is of great importance as methods described for decellularization may be well suitable for other organs than the liver, but may damage the composition of the matrix proteins. Repopulation of a complex organ such as the liver poses numerous challenges. Using the extracellular matrix of the native liver obviously helps to create the most optimal niche for cells to repopulate, but the types of cells to be infused to create fully functional liver tissue remains to be elucidated. In addition to the liver-specific matrix proteins, the still present vascular and biliary system may also provide entry routes for the different cell types needed. Obviously, efficient recellularization is a complex process in which hepatocytes or other parenchymal cells need to pass the remnant basement membrane of the decellularized blood vessels or bile d...
Source: Fight Aging! - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Medicine, Biotech, Research Source Type: blogs