Highly porous polymer matrices as a three-dimensional culture system for hepatocytes: Initial results

Abstract

Cell transplantation as a therapy for end-stage liver disease is currently under investigation by a variety of research groups. We have used biodegradable porous sponges as hepatocyte transplantation vehicles in past studies and were able to demonstrate engraftment, proliferation, and metabolic function of the transplanted hepatocytes in vivo.2-4 These highly porous three-dimensional matrices may provide novel in vitro culture systems with possible applications in cell banking, cell transplantation, and tissue engineering. In this study, we investigated the suitability of these matrices for long-term hepatocyte culture.