| While
transplantation has been the established treatment for end-stage liver
disease, the shortage of donor organs continues to become more severe
over time. For this reason our laboratory has investigated tissue engineering
of the liver using cell-laden polymer devices as a means of generating
new tissue replacements. A small number of healthy hepatocytes (liver
cells) are harvested, cultured in vitro until they develop new tissue
formation, and seeded onto a biodegradable polymer which serves as a structural
scaffold upon which the cells can grow. The idea is that, once implanted
back into the patient, the scaffold will degrade, leaving behind a durable
tissue structure that can provide a long-term solution for specific ailments
by recreating the essential functions of the organ. |
