Direct Construction of a Three-dimensional Structure with Cells and Hydrogel

摘要

An organ manufacturing technique was developed that enables the formation of cell/extracellular matrix (ECM) complexes for in vitro or in vivo growth.In this study,a three-dimensional (3D) structure composed of hepatocytes and gelatin/alginate hydrogel was made using a cell assembler-I apparatus to thoroughly control cell assembling.Hepatocytes and ECM were constructed into 10x10x3 mm~3 structures according to a designed pattern.The embedded hepatocytes remained viable and performed biological functions in the construct for more than 12 days.This 3D structure has the potential to be used as a precursor for tissue or organ regeneration.This technology offers the potential for high-throughput production of artificial human tissues and organs.