Affiliation:
1. i3S – Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
2. INEB – Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica Universidade do Porto Rua Alfredo Allen 208 Porto 4200‐135 Portugal
3. ICBAS – Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar Universidade do Porto Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228 Porto 4050‐313 Portugal
4. Translational Liver Research Department of Medical Cell Biophysics Technical Medical Center Faculty of Science and Technology University of Twente Enschede 7522 NB The Netherlands
5. IUCS – Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde CESPU Rua Central de Gandra 1317 Gandra 4585‐116 Portugal
Abstract
AbstractBiomaterials are extensively used to mimic cell–matrix interactions, which are essential for cell growth, function, and differentiation. This is particularly relevant when developing in vitro disease models of organs rich in extracellular matrix, like the liver. Liver disease involves a chronic wound‐healing response with formation of scar tissue known as fibrosis. At early stages, liver disease can be reverted, but as disease progresses, reversion is no longer possible, and there is no cure. Research for new therapies is hampered by the lack of adequate models that replicate the mechanical properties and biochemical stimuli present in the fibrotic liver. Fibrosis is associated with changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix that directly influence cell behavior. Biomaterials could play an essential role in better emulating the disease microenvironment. In this paper, the recent and cutting‐edge biomaterials used for creating in vitro models of human liver fibrosis are revised, in combination with cells, bioprinting, and/or microfluidics. These technologies have been instrumental to replicate the intricate structure of the unhealthy tissue and promote medium perfusion that improves cell growth and function, respectively. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of material hints and cell–material interactions in a tridimensional context is provided.
Funder
H2020 Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation
Subject
Mechanical Engineering,Mechanics of Materials,General Materials Science