Scientists at Sechenov University have created a ‘liver-on-a-chip’ — a laboratory model that helps more accurately assess the efficacy and safety of drugs at the preclinical stage. This was reported to GxP News by the university’s press service.
“We aimed to create a model that would be simultaneously scalable, standardizable, and yet maximally physiological. Incorporating the extracellular matrix and several cell types allowed us to bring the architecture and function closer to native liver tissue,” said Anastasia Shpichka, head of the Applied Microfluidics Laboratory.
As explained by the press service, the researchers placed spheroids — microspheres consisting of three cell types — into a hydrogel enriched with components of a sheep liver matrix. The matrix is a protein sponge obtained from a real liver by removing living cells and DNA; it helps the cells behave more physiologically. Finally, using 3D bioprinting, the researchers formed a three-dimensional ‘liver-on-a-chip.’
The scientists compared the resulting construct with conventional spheroids grown without a matrix. Such models are often used in laboratories, but over time, a necrotic core forms within them, and the cells experience a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients. The ‘liver-on-a-chip’ maintained higher metabolic activity and demonstrated a more physiological response to common hepatotoxic and antitumor drugs — including acetaminophen (paracetamol), diclofenac, doxorubicin, and cisplatin.
The resulting platform can be used for preclinical drug testing, studying liver damage mechanisms, and creating personalized models based on a specific patient’s cells, according to the study’s authors.