Recapitulating the liver niche in vitro

The liver is a structurally and functionally complex organ, and its unique microenvironment is critical for this. Methods to recreate this niche requires careful consideration of the cell composition, source of cells, media ingredients, extracellular matrix, and bio-engineered technologies such as scaffolds, 3D bio-printing, perfusion bioreactors, and microfluidic systems. The field has transitioned from being reliant on rodent cells, to a focus on generating human liver constructs using primary human liver cells and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cells, increasing the clinical relevance of these products. More complex models with greater fidelity to native liver tissue and its microenvironment is expected in the future, incorporating further cell types and structures, and using strategies such as designer matrices. These bio-engineered liver platforms are useful for studying liver development and biology, and can also be used to model disease conditions, identify new therapeutic targets, and play a major role in drug development.

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