Generation of Multilayered 3D Structures of HepG2 Cells Using a Bio-printing Technique.
- Author:
Hyeryeon JEON
1
;
Kyojin KANG
;
Su A PARK
;
Wan Doo KIM
;
Seung Sam PAIK
;
Sang Hun LEE
;
Jaemin JEONG
;
Dongho CHOI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Hep G2 cell; Printing, three-dimensional
- MeSH: Bioprinting; Cause of Death; Gene Expression; Hep G2 Cells*; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Liver; Liver Diseases; Liver Transplantation; Methods; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Printing, Three-Dimensional; Regenerative Medicine; Tissue Donors
- From:Gut and Liver 2017;11(1):121-128
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: BACKGROUND/AIMS: Chronic liver disease is a major widespread cause of death, and whole liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment for patients with end-stage liver diseases. However, many problems, including donor shortage, surgical complications and cost, hinder their usage. Recently, tissue-engineering technology provided a potential breakthrough for solving these problems. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has been used to mimic tissues and organs suitable for transplantation, but applications for the liver have been rare. METHODS: A 3D bioprinting system was used to construct 3D printed hepatic structures using alginate. HepG2 cells were cultured on these 3D structures for 3 weeks and examined by fluorescence microscopy, histology and immunohistochemistry. The expression of liver-specific markers was quantified on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. RESULTS: The cells grew well on the alginate scaffold, and liver-specific gene expression increased. The cells grew more extensively in 3D culture than two-dimensional culture and exhibited better structural aspects of the liver, indicating that the 3D bioprinting method recapitulates the liver architecture. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D bioprinting of hepatic structures appears feasible. This technology may become a major tool and provide a bridge between basic science and the clinical challenges for regenerative medicine of the liver.
