Three-dimensional controlled assembling of hepatocytes

The manufacturing of bio-artificial livers for liver transplants is a new technology with many unanswered questions. A rapid prototyping technique was developed to form a living cells/extracellular matrix (ECM) through direct three-dimensional controlled assembling. A three-dimensional liver tissue precursor structure with predefined pores composed of hepatocytes and gelatin/alginate hydrogel was formed using this technique. In vitro studies showed that the embedded hepatocytes in the structure remained viable and performed biological functions for 12 days. This technique holds potential for manufacturing bioartificial livers and other living human tissues and organs.