An Approach for Formation of Vascularized Liver Tissue by Endothelial Cell–Covered Hepatocyte Spheroid Integration

Tissue vascularization in vitro is necessary for cell transplantation and is a major challenge in tissue engineering. To construct large and regularly vascularized tissue, we focused on the integration of endothelial cell–covered spheroids. Primary rat hepatocytes were cultured on a rotary shaker, and 100–150 μm spheroids were obtained by filtration. The hepatocyte spheroids were coated with collagen by conjugation with a type 1 collagen solution. Collagen-coated hepatocyte spheroids were cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and monolayered HUVEC-covered hepatocyte spheroids were constructed. Without a collagen coat, many HUVECs invaded hepatocyte spheroids but did not cover the spheroid surface. To construct regularly vascularized tissue, we packed HUVEC-covered hepatocyte spheroids in hollow fibers used for plasma separation. Packed spheroids attached to each other forming a large cellular tissue with regular distribution of HUVECs. At day 9 after packing, HUVECs invaded the hepatocyte spheroids and a dense vascular network was constructed. Collagen coating of spheroids is useful for the formation of endothelial cell–covered spheroids and subsequent regular vascularized tissue construction.