Liver Bioengineering Using Decellularized Whole-Liver Scaffolds

Abstract

Currently, due to the progress made in the field of regenerative medicine, whole-organ bioengineering is becoming a valid alternative to cope with the shortages of organs for transplantation. In this chapter, we describe the main techniques carried out for pig liver bioengineering, which serves as an essential model for future human liver bioengineering. These include porcine whole-liver decellularization, endothelial and mesenchymal stem cell isolation, porcine ES-derived hepatoblasts, and scaffold recellularization using a bioreactor perfusion system.

Keywords: Decellularization; Liver scaffold; Organ bioengineering; Perfusion bioreactor system; Recellularization.