Simple and quick method for whole-liver decellularization: a novel in vitro three-dimensional bioengineering tool?

Proof of principle of organ reengineering through the development of a transplantable recellularized liver graft was published recently. As the decellularization time of the rat liver took 72 h, loss of some key matrix proteins seemed inevitable. Here, we describe the development of a three-dimensional naturally derived liver scaffold with an intact microvascular system that is capable of withstanding fluid flows in the three hepatic circular systems and that is obtained within 60 min. For this purpose, whole rat livers were sequentially perfused with a selection of mild tensioactive substances to remove the cellular components while preserving the major extracellular matrix proteins, including laminin, collagen I, collagen IV, and fibronectin. In addition, we could show the presence of extracellular matrix--bound growth factor islets, important for cell engraftment, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. This easy to prepare scaffold could represent a remarkable tool in the bioengineering of complex three-dimensional in vitro systems for advanced preclinical drug development.