Development of polymer hydrogels to support engineered stem cell-derived liver tissue function and implantation

Morphocell has developed a cell therapy platform for the treatment of acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure, consisting in the implantation of organoids that can fulfill the liver’s main functions. These liver tissues are embedded within a hydrogel that forms a support to the biological material. This hydrogel enables the diffusion of all nutrients, small molecules and liver-specific proteins while blocking the contact with the recipient’s immune system, thus preventing any adverse reaction to the implanted organoids. The hydrogel’s formulation needs to be revisited and optimized to facilitate the encapsulation of liver tissues. Specifically, the gel must form in a fast and complete fashion, support the viability and functions of the embedded organoids, and must not trigger a response from the patient’s immune system. The development and thorough characterization of such a hydrogel will participate to the development of the implant for the planned clinical trials.

Faculty Supervisor:

Laura Wells

Student:

Partner:

Stem Cell Network;Morphocell Technologies

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Queen's University

Program: