The biomimetic PEG hydrogel supported primary hepatocyte viability and bioactivity over several weeks, and the co-encapsulation with HUVEC and 10T1/2 cells enhanced hepatocyte function. Enhancement of CYP activity and albumin synthesis became more prevalent as culture time increased, suggesting that the inclusion of the non-parenchymal cells prolonged the functionality of hepatocytes in the engineered tissues. Consequently, this cellular hydrogel system is promising for the engineering of vascularized hepatic tissue, as functional hepatic and vascular structures can form spontaneously and simultaneously. Future studies will address the functionality of the vascular structures formed by the HUVEC-10T1/2 co-culture in the engineered hepatic tissues; specifically, whether or not the vascular networks formed are perfusable and capable of supporting mass transport to hepatocytes throughout the constructs.
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