A comprehensive review of advances in hepatocyte microencapsulation: selecting materials and preserving cell viability

Liver failure represents a critical medical condition with a traditionally grim prognosis, where treatment options have been notably limited. Historically, liver transplantation has stood as the sole definitive cure, yet the stark disparity between the limited availability of liver donations and the...

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Main Authors: Hailian Wang, Lebin Wen, Fengdi Jiang, Pengyu Ren, Yixin Yang, Siyuan Song, Zhengteng Yang, Yi Wang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Immunology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385022/full
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author Hailian Wang
Lebin Wen
Fengdi Jiang
Pengyu Ren
Yixin Yang
Siyuan Song
Zhengteng Yang
Yi Wang
author_facet Hailian Wang
Lebin Wen
Fengdi Jiang
Pengyu Ren
Yixin Yang
Siyuan Song
Zhengteng Yang
Yi Wang
author_sort Hailian Wang
collection DOAJ
description Liver failure represents a critical medical condition with a traditionally grim prognosis, where treatment options have been notably limited. Historically, liver transplantation has stood as the sole definitive cure, yet the stark disparity between the limited availability of liver donations and the high demand for such organs has significantly hampered its feasibility. This discrepancy has necessitated the exploration of hepatocyte transplantation as a temporary, supportive intervention. In light of this, our review delves into the burgeoning field of hepatocyte transplantation, with a focus on the latest advancements in maintaining hepatocyte function, co-microencapsulation techniques, xenogeneic hepatocyte transplantation, and the selection of materials for microencapsulation. Our examination of hepatocyte microencapsulation research highlights that, to date, most studies have been conducted in vitro or using liver failure mouse models, with a notable paucity of experiments on larger mammals. The functionality of microencapsulated hepatocytes is primarily inferred through indirect measures such as urea and albumin production and the rate of ammonia clearance. Furthermore, research on the mechanisms underlying hepatocyte co-microencapsulation remains limited, and the practicality of xenogeneic hepatocyte transplantation requires further validation. The potential of hepatocyte microencapsulation extends beyond the current scope of application, suggesting a promising horizon for liver failure treatment modalities. Innovations in encapsulation materials and techniques aim to enhance cell viability and function, indicating a need for comprehensive studies that bridge the gap between small-scale laboratory success and clinical applicability. Moreover, the integration of bioengineering and regenerative medicine offers novel pathways to refine hepatocyte transplantation, potentially overcoming the challenges of immune rejection and ensuring the long-term functionality of transplanted cells. In conclusion, while hepatocyte microencapsulation and transplantation herald a new era in liver failure therapy, significant strides must be made to translate these experimental approaches into viable clinical solutions. Future research should aim to expand the experimental models to include larger mammals, thereby providing a clearer understanding of the clinical potential of these therapies. Additionally, a deeper exploration into the mechanisms of cell survival and function within microcapsules, alongside the development of innovative encapsulation materials, will be critical in advancing the field and offering new hope to patients with liver failure.
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spelling doaj.art-3c1eeb3cee26471ba7f811c8fb7967e92024-04-17T10:12:52ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Immunology1664-32242024-04-011510.3389/fimmu.2024.13850221385022A comprehensive review of advances in hepatocyte microencapsulation: selecting materials and preserving cell viabilityHailian Wang0Lebin Wen1Fengdi Jiang2Pengyu Ren3Yixin Yang4Siyuan Song5Zhengteng Yang6Yi Wang7Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Organ Transplantation, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Thyroid, Sichuan Second Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, ChinaSchool of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, ChinaSchool of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, ChinaDepartment of Clinical Medicine, The First Clinical Medical College of Norman Bethune University of Medical Sciences, Jilin, ChinaDepartment of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United StatesDepartment of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, ChinaClinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, ChinaLiver failure represents a critical medical condition with a traditionally grim prognosis, where treatment options have been notably limited. Historically, liver transplantation has stood as the sole definitive cure, yet the stark disparity between the limited availability of liver donations and the high demand for such organs has significantly hampered its feasibility. This discrepancy has necessitated the exploration of hepatocyte transplantation as a temporary, supportive intervention. In light of this, our review delves into the burgeoning field of hepatocyte transplantation, with a focus on the latest advancements in maintaining hepatocyte function, co-microencapsulation techniques, xenogeneic hepatocyte transplantation, and the selection of materials for microencapsulation. Our examination of hepatocyte microencapsulation research highlights that, to date, most studies have been conducted in vitro or using liver failure mouse models, with a notable paucity of experiments on larger mammals. The functionality of microencapsulated hepatocytes is primarily inferred through indirect measures such as urea and albumin production and the rate of ammonia clearance. Furthermore, research on the mechanisms underlying hepatocyte co-microencapsulation remains limited, and the practicality of xenogeneic hepatocyte transplantation requires further validation. The potential of hepatocyte microencapsulation extends beyond the current scope of application, suggesting a promising horizon for liver failure treatment modalities. Innovations in encapsulation materials and techniques aim to enhance cell viability and function, indicating a need for comprehensive studies that bridge the gap between small-scale laboratory success and clinical applicability. Moreover, the integration of bioengineering and regenerative medicine offers novel pathways to refine hepatocyte transplantation, potentially overcoming the challenges of immune rejection and ensuring the long-term functionality of transplanted cells. In conclusion, while hepatocyte microencapsulation and transplantation herald a new era in liver failure therapy, significant strides must be made to translate these experimental approaches into viable clinical solutions. Future research should aim to expand the experimental models to include larger mammals, thereby providing a clearer understanding of the clinical potential of these therapies. Additionally, a deeper exploration into the mechanisms of cell survival and function within microcapsules, alongside the development of innovative encapsulation materials, will be critical in advancing the field and offering new hope to patients with liver failure.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385022/fullhepatocyte encapsulationmicroencapsulationcoculturexenotransplantationalginate
spellingShingle Hailian Wang
Lebin Wen
Fengdi Jiang
Pengyu Ren
Yixin Yang
Siyuan Song
Zhengteng Yang
Yi Wang
A comprehensive review of advances in hepatocyte microencapsulation: selecting materials and preserving cell viability
Frontiers in Immunology
hepatocyte encapsulation
microencapsulation
coculture
xenotransplantation
alginate
title A comprehensive review of advances in hepatocyte microencapsulation: selecting materials and preserving cell viability
title_full A comprehensive review of advances in hepatocyte microencapsulation: selecting materials and preserving cell viability
title_fullStr A comprehensive review of advances in hepatocyte microencapsulation: selecting materials and preserving cell viability
title_full_unstemmed A comprehensive review of advances in hepatocyte microencapsulation: selecting materials and preserving cell viability
title_short A comprehensive review of advances in hepatocyte microencapsulation: selecting materials and preserving cell viability
title_sort comprehensive review of advances in hepatocyte microencapsulation selecting materials and preserving cell viability
topic hepatocyte encapsulation
microencapsulation
coculture
xenotransplantation
alginate
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1385022/full
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