Perspectives on Scaffold Designs with Roles in Liver Cell Asymmetry and Medical and Industrial Applications by Using a New Type of Specialized 3D Bioprinter

Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Sep 29;24(19):14722. doi: 10.3390/ijms241914722.

Abstract

Cellular asymmetry is an important element of efficiency in the compartmentalization of intracellular chemical reactions that ensure efficient tissue function. Improving the current 3D printing methods by using cellular asymmetry is essential in producing complex tissues and organs such as the liver. The use of cell spots containing at least two cells and basement membrane-like bio support materials allows cells to be tethered at two points on the basement membrane and with another cell in order to maintain cell asymmetry. Our model is a new type of 3D bioprinter that uses oriented multicellular complexes with cellular asymmetry. This novel approach is necessary to replace the sequential and slow processes of organogenesis with rapid methods of growth and 3D organ printing. The use of the extracellular matrix in the process of bioprinting with cells allows one to preserve the cellular asymmetry in the 3D printing process and thus preserve the compartmentalization of biological processes and metabolic efficiency.

Keywords: 3D printing; cellular asymmetry; scaffold.

MeSH terms

  • Bioprinting*
  • Hepatocytes
  • Liver
  • Printing, Three-Dimensional
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Tissue Scaffolds* / chemistry

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.