Fabrication of Perfusable Vascular Channels and Capillaries in 3D Liver Tissue

This project aims to develop a method for fabricating a tube-shaped 3D liver tissue (tubular liver tissue) with the large channels and capillary-like structures using a perfusion device. The perfusion device functions as an interface between the tissue and an external pump, in which it has connectors equipped with anchors that hold the tissue against its shrinkage accompanied with self-organization of capillary-like structures. Thus, by perfusing the tissue, substance exchange can be promoted to maintain the viability and the functions. This method can be used for constructing 3D tissues, which are useful in the fields of tissue regenerations in vitro for drug development and regenerative medicine.