Brazilian researchers claim to have bioprinted 'liver organoids'. These are miniature versions of livers obtained from human blood cells. However, these mini-organs would be able to perform all the functions of a liver. This innovation gives new hope in terms of organ transplantation.
In their publication in the journal Biofabrication on November 27, 2019, researchers from the Human Genome and Stem Cell Institute in Sao Paulo (Brazil) reported having obtained a mini-liver thanks to bio-printing . However, the latter would fulfill all the expected functions! These include the production of vital proteins, the storage of vitamins and the secretion of bile.
The researchers explained that they combined several bioengineering techniques . Indeed, pluripotent stem cell culture and cell reprogramming have been combined with 3D bioprinting. However, there is a difference compared to previous research. Indeed, the cells were placed entirely in the bio-ink before being extruded. Previously, it was simply about individualized cells.
Not less than 90 days were required , from the collection of the patient's blood to the production of the tissue. First, the researchers reprogrammed the patient's blood cells into induced pluripotent stem cells. Then, the differentiation of the cells made it possible to change them into liver cells. Finally, their spheroids could be associated with bio-ink.
You should know that the directors of the project bioprinted not one, but three mini-livers . Logically, the stem cells came from three different donors. The goal? Test the method then analyze the functions of the organs and the maintenance of cell contact. As expected, the method worked much better than in the case of previous research involving individualized cells. The researchers indicated that this technique could be replicated on a large scale .
Thus, this innovation could allow new hopes in terms of organ transplantation. Indeed, the wait for an organ can be very long, which can be problematic. In China, tensions around the field of organ transplantation have given rise to research whose nature is questionable. In 2017, researchers indicated that they wanted to clone pigs in order to recover their organs. The goal? Achieving transplanting humans with these same organs and put an end to the terrible waiting lists.
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