Paper-Based Cell Culture: Paving the Pathway for Liver Tissue Model Development on a Cellulose Paper Chip

Abstract

The present review provides a comprehensive outlook toward the possibilities of developing a functional in vitro liver tissue model on a paper platform. To this end, we first addressed the suitability of using a cellulose-based paper matrix as a substrate for cell culture applications. Then, we highlighted various patterning and substrate modification strategies that have been exploited to make the paper matrix cell-friendly. Finally, we provide an overview of the current advancements made toward developing paper-based liver tissue models and the challenges and opportunities the field has encountered.

Keywords: cell culture; cellulose; in vitro tissue models; liver; paper-based.