Page 128 - IJB-10-5

International

Journal of Bioprinting

REVIEW ARTICLE
The application of 3D bioprinting technology in

liver manufacturing: Progress, challenges, and
prospects

Yifan Hou 1,2,3 id , Xin Liu * , Xinhuan Wang 1,2 id , Shen Ji 1,2 id , and Qi Gu 1,2,3 id
*
1,2 id
1 Key laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, State Key Laboratory of Membrane
Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
2 Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, P. R. China
3 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
(This article belongs to the Special Issue: Made-to-order Organ)

Abstract
Recreating the complexity of liver structure and the diversity of cells and functions in
vitro remains a significant focus in liver tissue engineering. 3D bioprinting technology
features advantages in personalized manufacturing, replicating complex internal
structures, and precise arrangement of multi-materials and cells, thus holding vast
potential in tissue engineering, particularly for liver manufacturing. In this review, we
discuss the complexity of the liver structure and function, including its composition
and both development and regeneration processes. We then analyze the current
limitations in liver transplantation, e.g., donor organ shortage, and the shortcomings
of various liver transplantation alternatives, highlighting the importance of 3D
bioprinting for liver fabrication. Furthermore, the composition and properties of
the bioinks used in the liver 3D-printing process and the corresponding research
*Corresponding authors: outcomes are discussed. Notably, we summarize the latest advances and challenges
Xin Liu (liuxin2022@ioz.ac.cn) in the field of liver fabrication and explore future development directions, namely
Qi Gu (qgu@ioz.ac.cn) vascular and bile duct structures. In summation, this review can provide guidance
Citation: Hou Y, Liu X, Wang X, and inspiration for future research and applications related to liver reconstruction
Ji S, Gu Q. The application of and manufacturing.
3D bioprinting technology in
liver manufacturing: Progress,
challenges, and prospects. Keywords: Liver fabrication; Bioprinting; Bioink; Vascularization
Int J Bioprint. 2024;10(5):3819.
doi: 10.36922/ijb.3819
Received: June 1, 2024
Accepted: July 12, 2024
Published Online: August 23, 2024 1. Introduction
Copyright: © 2024 Author(s). The liver is the largest internal organ in the human body and is essential for various
This is an Open Access article physiological functions, such as synthesis, metabolism, detoxification, and immunity.
distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution During embryonic development, the composition of cells and extracellular matrix
License, permitting distribution, (ECM) within the liver undergo significant changes, gradually evolving into a complex
and reproduction in any medium, organ with a sophisticated structure and vascular system that includes multiple cell
provided the original work is
1–3
properly cited. types. Additionally, the liver possesses a remarkable regenerative capacity, capable of
restoring its original size and function even after removal of up to 70% of its mass. 4–6
Publisher’s Note: AccScience
Publishing remains neutral with Several factors, such as viruses, alcohol, fat accumulation, and drugs, can cause
regard to jurisdictional claims in
published maps and institutional hepatocyte damage or reduce liver function, potentially leading to end-stage liver
7,8
affiliations. disease. Liver transplantation is the most effective clinical treatment for patients with

Volume 10 Issue 5 (2024) 120 doi: 10.36922/ijb.3819