3D 바이오 프린팅 기술을 활용한 HepG2세포의 3차원적 간구조체 형성 모델 확립

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, hamper their usage. Recently tissue-engineering technology promises a breakthrough in relation to these problems. Threedimensional (3D) printing technology has been used to mimic tissues and organs suitable for transplantation, but the applications to 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. Expression of liver-specific markers was quantified from days 1, 7, 14 and 21. Results: The cells grew well on the alginate scaffold, and liver-specific gene expression increased. They grew more extensively in 3D culture than 2D culture and resembled better structural aspects of the liver, indicating that 3D bioprinting method enables to recapitulate the liver architecture.

Conclusions: 3D bioprinting of hepatic structure seems feasible. This technology may become one of the most major tools and provide a bridge between basic science and clinical challenges in regenerative medicine of the liver.