Survival and Function of Hepatocytes on a Novel Three-Dimensional Synthetic Biodegradable Polymer Scaffold With an Intrinsic Network of Channels

Abstract

HCs cocultured with nonparenchymal cells can attach to and survive on the 3D polymer scaffolds in both static and flow conditions in the size and configuration used in this study. Flow conditions may provide a more conducive environment for HC metabolism and albumin synthesis than static conditions. The authors hypothesize that flow through directed channels will be necessary for the transfer of large masses of cells when implantation studies are initiated.