Artificial Cells And HepG2 Cells in 3D Bioprinted Arrangements

TY - JOUR

T1 - Artificial Cells And HepG2 Cells in 3D Bioprinted Arrangements

AU - Westensee, Isabella Nymann

AU - Paffen, Lars

AU - Pendlmayr, Stefan

AU - Andres, Paula De Dios

AU - Ramos Docampo, Miguel Alexandre

AU - Stadler, Brigitte Maria

PY - 2024/5

Y1 - 2024/5

N2 - Artificial cells are engineered units with cell-like functions for different purposes including acting as supportive elements for mammalian cells. Artificial cells with minimal liver-like function are made of alginate and equipped with metalloporphyrins that mimic the enzyme activity of a member of the cytochrome P450 family namely CYP1A2. The artificial cells are employed to enhance the dealkylation activity within 3D bioprinted structures composed of HepG2 cells and these artificial cells. This enhancement is monitored through the conversion of resorufin ethyl ether to resorufin. HepG2 cell aggregates are 3D bioprinted using an alginate/gelatin methacryloyl ink, resulting in the successful proliferation of the HepG2 cells. The composite ink made of an alginate/gelatin liquid phase with an increasing amount of artificial cells is characterized. The CYP1A2-like activity of artificial cells is preserved over at least 35 days, where 6 nM resorufin is produced in 8 h. Composite inks made of artificial cells and HepG2 cell aggregates in a liquid phase are used for 3D bioprinting. The HepG2 cells proliferate over 35 days, and the structure has boosted CYP1A2 activity. The integration of artificial cells and their living counterparts into larger 3D semi-synthetic tissues is a step towards exploring bottom-up synthetic biology in tissue engineering.

AB - Artificial cells are engineered units with cell-like functions for different purposes including acting as supportive elements for mammalian cells. Artificial cells with minimal liver-like function are made of alginate and equipped with metalloporphyrins that mimic the enzyme activity of a member of the cytochrome P450 family namely CYP1A2. The artificial cells are employed to enhance the dealkylation activity within 3D bioprinted structures composed of HepG2 cells and these artificial cells. This enhancement is monitored through the conversion of resorufin ethyl ether to resorufin. HepG2 cell aggregates are 3D bioprinted using an alginate/gelatin methacryloyl ink, resulting in the successful proliferation of the HepG2 cells. The composite ink made of an alginate/gelatin liquid phase with an increasing amount of artificial cells is characterized. The CYP1A2-like activity of artificial cells is preserved over at least 35 days, where 6 nM resorufin is produced in 8 h. Composite inks made of artificial cells and HepG2 cell aggregates in a liquid phase are used for 3D bioprinting. The HepG2 cells proliferate over 35 days, and the structure has boosted CYP1A2 activity. The integration of artificial cells and their living counterparts into larger 3D semi-synthetic tissues is a step towards exploring bottom-up synthetic biology in tissue engineering.

KW - 3D bioprinting

KW - HepG2 cells

KW - artificial cells

KW - cytochrome P450 activity

KW - encapsulated catalysis

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85184487978&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1002/adhm.202303699

DO - 10.1002/adhm.202303699

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 38277695

SN - 2192-2640

VL - 13

JO - Advanced Healthcare Materials

JF - Advanced Healthcare Materials

IS - 12

M1 - 2303699

ER -