Hydrogel Scaffolding:
- Diverse viscosity
- Easily integrated with vascular systems
- Mainly water – mimics intracellular and extracellular fluid composition
- Highly porous – allows for natural diffusion
- Biodegradable – breaks down and absorbed safely over time
- Soft and flexible – mimics soft tissue
- Non-immunogenic – body’s immune system does not attack it
Cells must be sourced from the patient:
- Immune system could potentially attack a liver that is slightly foreign
- Outsourced cells can cause allergic, inflammatory or carcinogenic reactions
- Genotoxicity – foreign substances could cause the degradation of DNA
Liver Function:
- Filter blood, remove body toxins, resist infections, store vitamins and minerals, remove excess glucose to store it as glycogen
Elasticity:
- Allow pain-free motion and adapt in the body
- How it fits in alongside other internal organs/interferes the space
- Muscle Strain:
- Will the material used be able to withstand any muscle strain that may occur?
Compressive Modulus:
- This is to determine the stiffness of the material we use for the 3D printing process and how much the material can withstand any stretch that may occur.
Mass Swelling Ratio:
- When 3D printing with hydrogel, water would be absorbed by the material after being placed into the body.
- This would cause a change in the weight of the liver.
- It is important to find out the correct weight and size the liver must be for the patient.