MIT researchers test injectable 'satellite liver' in mice

"The point of such an experiment was to find a way to restore the function of hepatocytes, which are the specific functional cells of the liver that do all of its important things like filtering the blood, synthesizing and storing protein, and transforming carbohydrates, without the need for full-on surgery."

"In this case, the researchers used what they call Injected, Self-assembled, Image-guided Tissue Ensembles (INSITE), a mixture of hepatocytes and hydrogel microspheres that assemble in place after injection to form supportive scaffolds. The material can flow during injection and is delivered using ultrasound guidance to precisely place the graft."

"MIT postdoc and lead author Vardhman Kumar told MIT News that the big breakthrough of the project was the INSITE hydrogel structures, which formed the perfect environment for ensuring that nearby blood vessels could supply nutrients to the hepatocytes and keep them viable."

MIT researchers created INSITE (Injected, Self-assembled, Image-guided Tissue Ensembles), an injectable system combining hepatocytes and hydrogel microspheres that assembles in place after injection. Delivered via ultrasound-guided needles into mouse abdomens, the system allowed blood vessels to integrate with the graft, enabling transplanted liver cells to perform critical functions including blood filtering, protein synthesis and storage, and carbohydrate transformation. The hydrogel microspheres created an optimal environment for cell survival by ensuring nearby blood vessels supplied necessary nutrients. The injected cells and supporting structure remained functional throughout the eight-week study, demonstrating potential to restore liver function without invasive surgery.

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