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Hiroyuki Ijima Last modified date:2023.09.27

Professor / Molecular and Biochemical Systems Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering
Faculty of Engineering


Graduate School
Undergraduate School


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Homepage
https://kyushu-u.elsevierpure.com/en/persons/hiroyuki-ijima
 Reseacher Profiling Tool Kyushu University Pure
http://www.chem-eng.kyushu-u.ac.jp/lab8/
Phone
092-802-2748
Fax
092-802-2748
Academic Degree
Doctor of Engineering
Country of degree conferring institution (Overseas)
No
Field of Specialization
Biochemical Engineering, Medical Engineering, Bioreactor, Biomaterial, Liver Tissue Engineering
Total Priod of education and research career in the foreign country
01years00months
Research
Research Interests
  • Development of hybrid-type artificial liver support system
    keyword : Hybrid-type artificial liver, Hepatocytes organoid, Hepatic failure rat model, Liver regeneration, High density culture, Bioreactor
    1990.07We developed a novel bioreactor and application system to patients. The bioreactor realized an induction of self organoid fomation and optimization of microenvironment for cell functions by using chemical engineering protocols. Furthermore, we succesfully developed hepatic failure animal model for estimating the performance of the artificial liver system..
  • Development of functional substratum and system for animal cell culture
    keyword : Animal cell culture, Culture substratum, Useful biological material, Bioreactor, Hydroxyl apatite, RGD, High density culture, Mass culture
    1997.04Macroporous hydroxyapatite culture substratum and packed-bed type bioreactor were developed. We suceeded mass production of colony stimulating factor using this system. Now, we focused optimization of this system and improvement of geometry, porosity and strength of the substratum..
  • Development of hybrid-type artificial kidney
    keyword : Hybrid-type artificial kidney, Renal proximal tubule cell, MDR, Active transport, RGD
    2002.05~2006.03We focused to develop a hybrid artificial kidney with renal proximal tubule cells immobilized on adhesive synthetic RGD peptide. Immobilized cells express the selective active transport of drugs in vitro culture using transwell. Furthermore, RGD-immobilized hollow fiber module was developed. Extracorporeal circulation system equipped hepotocyte-immobilized module and renal proximal tubule cells immobilized module was developed. Blood purification effect of severe hepatic failure rat induced by acetaminophen can be expressed by using this system..
  • Development of tissue-engineered liver
    keyword : Liver tissue engineering, Regenerative medicine, Angiogenesis, Scaffold, Cytokine, Hepatocytes organoid, Functional biomaterials
    2002.05.
  • Development of a cell function simulator
    keyword : Drug metabolism simylator, Hepatocytes organoid, cell function, bioreactor,
    2004.04.
  • Development of high density mass production procedd of ES cell-derived functional cells
    keyword : ES cell, High density culture, mass production, bioreactor, culture system, maintenance of undifferentiated condition, differentiation, functional cell
    2004.11~2021.03.
  • Practical research using functional biomaterials
    keyword : Nanogel emulsion, nanofiber non-woven fabric, decellularized organ, preservation technology, Pancreas clip
    2015.04We developed a novel bioreactor and application system to patients. The bioreactor realized an induction of self organoid fomation and optimization of microenvironment for cell functions by using chemical engineering protocols. Furthermore, we succesfully developed hepatic failure animal model for estimating the performance of the artificial liver system..
Academic Activities
Books
1. Yasuhiro Ikegami, Hiroyuki Ijima, Decellularization of Tissue and Whole Organs in Tissue Engineering -Decellularization of Nervous Tissues and Efforts for their Clinical Application-, Springer, pp.141-164
Ikegami Y., Ijima H. (2021) Decellularization of Nervous Tissues and Clinical Application. In: Kajbafzadeh AM. (eds) Decellularization Methods of Tissue and Whole Organ in Tissue Engineering. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, vol 1345. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82735-9_19, 2021.03.
2. Yasuhiro Ikegami, Hiroyuki Ijima, Immobilization Strategies: Biomedical, Bioengineering and Environmental Applications -Strategies and advancement in growth factor immobilizable ECM for tissue engineering-, Springer, pp.141-164, 2021.01.
3. Hiroshi Mizumoto, Nana Shirakigawa, Hiroyuki Ijima, Current Status and New Challenges of the Artificial Liver, Wiley, DOI:10.1002/9781119296034, 2018.02, The liver is the main metabolic organ in vivo. Therefore, severe liver dysfunction results in serious diseases with high mortality rates. Since Starzl et al. reported the first liver transplantation in a human in 1963, orthotropic liver transplantation has evolved by improving quality control, immune inhibition, and infection prevention of the donor’s liver. As the result, liver transplantation became the most effective treatment for severe liver failure in patients, causing many lives to be saved. According to data from 2016, the number of patients waiting for liver transplantation in the USA was 14 540 and 7841 patients received liver transplantation. However, 1240 patients died waiting for liver transplantation (United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). Available from: https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/data/view‐data‐reports/). In other words, donor shortage is a severe problem.
Therefore, an artificial liver (also called an artificial liver support system) can be expected to be a temporary substitute while a patient awaits transplantation. Furthermore, it has the potential to eliminate the need for liver transplantation by promoting liver regeneration and functional recovery. The necessary alternative function for treating liver failure is removal of toxins in blood. Based on this view point, the development of the artificial liver was considered to begin from Abel’s report in 1914. He performed dialysis with colloid membranes (Abel et al., 1914). However, practical development and many reports have been produced since the 1950s (Kiley et al., 1958), about a half century after the first report. Hemodialysis with
various types of membrane and hemoperfusion by using charcoal or synthetic resin has been carried out. These are classified as non‐biological (non‐bio) artificial livers. On the other hand, bioartificial livers (BAL) aim to compensate for the essential liver function by using biological components including whole livers or liver cells. The early clinical studies of BAL systems included cross‐hetero‐hemodialysis using xenogeneic animals or livers (Kimoto et al., 1959, Ozawa et al. 1982), extracorporeal liver perfusion (Eiseman et al., 1965, Sen et al., 1966), and an extracorporeal bioreactor with suspension hepatocytes (Matsumura et al., 1987). However, the outcome of these classical treatments was not satisfactory enough to save the patients’ lives.
Based on these backgrounds, the artificial liver has been developed and has become an effective treatment in clinical use. In this chapter, the current status and the future vision of non‐bio and bioartificial livers are reviewed. Furthermore, tissue‐ and organ‐engineered livers are introduced as a new stream of liver failure treatments. Finally, the future vision of liver failure treatment is summarized..
Papers
1. Hiroyuki Ijima, Yukako Fukuda, Mario Kokichi Uehara, Muhammad Shafiq, Fanqi Wu, Jaeyong Cho, Yusuke Sakai, Tatsunori Miyata, Takanobu Yamao, Yosuke Nakao, Yosuke Kuroda, Takashi Motomura, Yo-ichi Yamashita, Hideo Baba, Decellularized Mouse Liver as a Small-scale Scaffold for the Creation of a Miniaturized Human Liver, Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, https://doi.org/10.1080/00219592.2023.2204899, 56, 1, Article No. 2204899, Accepted (2023/4/12), Available online (2023/5/9), 11 pages, 2023.05, The liver is the main organ responsible for drug metabolism; hepatocyte-based culture models play a fundamental role in understanding liver physiology. While different types of two-dimensional and three-dimensional liver models have been developed, the failure to accurately mimic native liver, including extracellular matrix (ECM) composition, complex structure, and rich vascular network as well as shortage of liver donors, impede their clinical translation. Herein, we have realized a “miniature human liver” based on the infusion of primary human hepatocytes into a decellularized liver template (DC-liver) made from the right liver lobe of mouse. We performed detergent-based decellularization of the mouse liver sections via portal vein (PV) perfusion and confirmed the successful removal of cell content and the preservation of the vascular network. Subsequently, the DC-liver templates were recellularized at varying cell densities, including 3 × 106 and 1 × 107 cells/mL, and liver specific gene expression was assessed. Overall, hepatocytes in the recellularized liver constructs (RC-liver) expressed liver-specific mRNA expression markers (Hnf4α, Alb) at a level comparable to the unseeded, freshly isolated hepatocytes and to hepatocytes seeded inside collagen gels. However, the RC-liver with the highest cell density exhibited poor cell distribution and blockage of the PV, in general, hepatocytes showed elevated levels of Cyp1a1. Further analysis hinted at hypoxic conditions inside the constructs, showing higher mRNA expression levels of hypoxia-related genes (Hif-1α, Casp3, Zo-1). Fortunately, oxygen supplementation appeared to alleviate hypoxia, which markedly reduce expression levels of Hif-1α and Cyp1α1. As a proof-of-concept, primary human hepatocytes were also seeded into the DC-liver templates, and we could confirm liver specific mRNA expression (HNF4A, ALB, CYP3A4). Altogether, the above results indicate a profound potential in the use of DC-liver tissue for the fabrication of a miniature human liver, which may have potential application prospects for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering (TE) and other related disciplines..
2. Jannatul Fardous, Emiko Yamamoto, Yuji Omoso, Seiya Nagao, Yuuta Inoue, Kozue Yoshida, Yasuhiro Ikegami, Zhang Yi, Nana Shirakigawa, Fumiyasu Ono, Hiroyuki Ijima, Development of a gel-in-oil emulsion as a transdermal drug delivery system for successful delivery of growth factors, Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiosc.2021.03.015, 132, 1, 95-101, Accepted (2021/03/26), 2021.07, Growth factors (GFs) are indispensable in regenerative medicine because of their high effectiveness. However, as GFs degenerate easily, the development of a suitable carrier with improved stability for GFs is necessary. In this study, we developed a gel-in-oil (G/O) emulsion technology for the transdermal delivery of growth factors. Nanogel particles prepared with heparin-immobilized gelatin that can bind growth factors were dispersed in isopropyl myristate. The particle size of the G/O emulsion could be controlled by changing the surfactant concentration, volume ratio of the water phase to the oil phase, and gelatin concentration. In vitro skin penetration studies showed better penetration through the stratum corneum of fluorescent proteins containing G/O emulsions than of the aqueous solution of GF. Similarly, an in vivo study showed an angiogenesis-inducing effect after transdermal application of GF-immobilized G/O emulsion. Angiogenesis in mice was confirmed owing to both an increased blood vessel network and higher hemoglobin content in the blood. Therefore, the G/O emulsion could be a promising carrier for GFs with better stability and can effectively deliver GFs at the target site..
3. Kozue Yoshida, Fumiyasu Ono, Takehiro Chouno, Shota Nakada, Yasuhiro Ikegami, Nana Shirakigawa, Yusuke Sakai, Hiroyuki Ijima, Creation of a novel lipid-trehalose derivative showing positive interaction with the cell membrane and verification of its cytoprotective effect during cryopreservation, Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiosc.2021.03.010, 132, 1, 71-80, Accepted (2021/3/23), 2021.07, Cryopreservation is important for enabling long-term cell preservation. However, physical damage due to ice crystal formation and membrane permeation by dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) severely affects cryopreserved cell viability. To ensure cell survival and functional maintenance after cryopreservation, it is important to protect the cell membrane, the most vulnerable cell component, from freeze-thaw damage. This study aimed to create a glycolipid derivative having a positive interaction with the cell membrane and cytoprotective effects. As a result, we synthesized a novel trehalose derivative, Oleyl-Trehalose (Oleyl-Treh), composed of trehalose and oleyl groups. Its use led to increased viable cell counts when used with DMSO in a non-cytotoxic concentration range (1.6 nM–16 µM). Oleyl-Treh significantly improved viability and liver-specific functions of hepatocytes after cryopreservation, including albumin secretion, ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity (an indicator of cytochrome P450 family 1 subfamily A member 1 activity), and ammonia metabolism. Oleyl-Treh could localize trehalose to the cell membrane; furthermore, the oleyl group affected cell membrane fluidity and exerted cryoprotective effects. This novel cryoprotective agent, which shows a positive interaction with the cell membrane, provides a unique approach toward cell protection during cryopreservation..
4. Kozue Yoshida, Shunsuke Nakamura, Hiroki Sakamoto, Mika Kondo, Takehiro Chouno, Yasuhiro Ikegami, Nana Shirakigawa, Hiroshi Mizumoto, Yo-ichi Yamashita, Hideo Baba, Hiroyuki Ijima, Normothermic machine perfusion system satisfying oxygen demand of liver could maintain liver function more than subnormothermic machine perfusion, Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2020.08.011., 131, 1, 107-113, Accepted (2020/8/24), 2021.01, Liver transplantation plays an important role in the medical field. To improve the quality of a donor liver, there is a need to establish a preservation system to prevent damage and maintain liver function. In response to this demand, machine perfusion (MP) has been proposed as a new liver preservation method instead of the conventional static cold storage. There is controversy about the optimal MP temperature of the donor liver. Since the oxygen consumption of the liver differs depending on the temperature, construction of a system that satisfies the oxygen demand of the liver is crucial for optimizing the preservation temperature. In this study, a MP system, which satisfies the oxygen demand of liver at each temperature, was constructed using an index of oxygen supply; the overall volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient, the amount of oxygen retention of perfusate and oxygen saturation. Both subnormothermic MP (SNMP, 20-25 °C) and normothermic MP (NMP, 37 °C) could maintain liver viability at a high level (94%). However, lactate metabolism of the liver during NMP was more active than that during SNMP. Furthermore, the ammonia metabolism of liver after NMP was superior to that after SNMP. Hence, NMP, which maintains the metabolic activity of the liver, is more suitable for preservation of the donor liver than SNMP, which suppresses the metabolic activity. In summary, normothermia is the optimal temperature for liver preservation, and we succeeded in constructing an NMP system that could suppress liver damage and maintain function..
5. Akshat Joshi, Zhe Xu, Yasuhiro Ikegami, Kozue Yoshida, Yusuke Sakai, Akshay Joshi, Tejinder Kaur, Yosuke Nakao, Yo-ichi Yamashita, Hideo Baba, Shinichi Aishima, Neetu Singh, Hiroyuki Ijima, Exploiting synergistic effect of externally loaded bFGF and endogenous growth factors for accelerated wound healing using heparin functionalized PCL/gelatin co-spun nanofibrous patches, Chemical Engineering Journal, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2020.126518, 404, 1-13, Article 126518, Accepted (2020/7/30), Available online 03 August 2020, 2020.11, Growth factors (GFs) are signaling molecules that are principle mediators in tissue regeneration. Biomaterial scaffolds employed as wound dressings are often hampered by their limitations to deliver GFs exogenously due to their instability and low half-life. The key to overcome this challenge lies in the better organization and use of endogenous pro-regenerative GFs released at regenerative site, with an aim to minimize the sole dependency on exogenous factors. Considering such challenges, this research utilizes the exogenous and endogenous GFs sequestering capability of heparin functionalized PCL/gelatin co-spun nanofabrics to mediate synergistically driven tissue regeneration by utilizing combined therapeutic effect of exogenous and endogenous GFs, and thereby minimizing the sole dependency on exogenous GFs for tissue regeneration. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was chosen as GF for exogenous loading whereas vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was chosen as a representative example to demonstrate the endogenous pro-regenerative GF sequestration capability of fabricated nanofabrics. From our results, the fabricated nanofabrics showed loading efficiency of 80% for exogenous bFGF and can sequester 15-fold more amount of endogenous VEGF compared to non-heparin functionalized nanofibrous dressings. When applied as wound dressings, heparin functionalized nanofibers showed better therapeutic capability compared to control groups that were treated using patches without heparin functionalization, indicating endogenously driven tissue regeneration. This was indicated by significant higher number of newly formed skin appendages, lesser scarring and lower inflammatory levels in newly formed granulation. Additionally, further improvements in therapeutic effect was observed when exogenous bFGF was employed indicating effectiveness of synergistically mediated tissue regeneration..
6. Shintaro Nakamura, Takafumi Kubo, Hiroyuki Ijima, Heparin-conjugated gelatin as a growth factor immobilization scaffold, Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2012.11.011, 115, 5, 562-567, 2013.05, Tissue engineering requires growth factors, cells and a scaffold to permit effective tissue regeneration. This study aimed to develop a scaffold with a focus on immobilizing growth factors within gelatin. We focused on the extracellular matrix and developed a heparin-conjugated gelatin (Hep-gela). Conjugation was confirmed using the alcian blue assay and x-ray diffraction patterns. The mechanical strength and stability of the Hep-gela gel in protease solution were improved compared with collagen gel. Hep-gela was able to immobilize vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) even in the presence of albumin, with an efficiency of 54.2%. Immobilized VEGF promoted proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Hep-gela-immobilized VEGF maintained its native biological activity. In summary, Hep-gela has the potential to become an effective material in the field of regenerative medicine..
7. Yung-Te Hou, Hiroyuki Ijima, Nana Shirakigawa, Takayuki Takei, Koei Kawakami, Development of growth factor-immobilizable material for hepatocyte transplantation, Biochemical Engineering Journal, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bej.2012.09.007, 69, 172-181, 2012.12, Growth factor (GF)-immobilizable materials were developed as a practical hepatocyte transplantation method for reconstructing a tissue-like structure in liver tissue engineering. Two GF-immobilizable scaffolds, namely single hepatocyte-embedded, heparin-immobilized, collagen-gel-filled polyurethane foam, and hepatocyte spheroid-embedded, heparin-immobilized, collagen-gel-filled polyurethane foam were developed by covalently incorporating heparin into collagen gel, using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide for hepatocyte transplantation. Seventy percent partial hepatectomy (PH) was performed at the same time after hepatocyte transplantation. Angiogenesis efficiency and viability of transplanted cells are discussed in terms of normalized hemoglobin content, nuclear density and histological observations after transplantation. In summary, the normalized hemoglobin content and viability of transplanted cells were higher in GF-immobilized scaffolds with PH pretreatment than in the other scaffolds with/without PH pretreatment. These materials have the potential for in vivo hepatocyte transplantation, as GFs released from remnant liver were easily incorporated into the heparin-immobilized collagen gel system. These GF–heparin complexes may promote the survival of embedded cells. Furthermore, the transplantation of spheroids promoted increased angiogenesis compared with hepatocytes, and resulted in sufficient vascularization for cell survival..
8. Nana Shirakigawa, Hiroyuki Ijima, and Takayuki Takei, Decellularized liver as a practical scaffold with a vascular network template for liver tissue engineering, Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2012.05.022 , 114, 5, 546-551, 2012.11, The construction of a functional liver-tissue equivalent using tissue engineering is a very important goal because the liver is a central organ in the body. However, the construction of functional organ-scale liver tissue is impossible because it requires a high-density blood vessel network. In this study, we focused on decellularization technology to solve this problem. Decellularized liver tissue with a fine vascular tree network template was obtained using Triton X-100. The distance between each vascular structure was less than 1 mm. Endothelialization of the blood vessel network with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was successfully performed without any leakage of HUVECs to the outside of the vessel structure. Furthermore, hepatocytes/spheroids could be located around the blood vessel structure. This study indicates that decellularized liver tissue is a potential scaffold for creating a practical liver tissue using tissue engineering technology..
9. Yung-Te Hou, Hiroyuki Ijima, Takayuki Takei, Koei Kawakami, Growth factor/heparin-immobilized collagen gel system enhances viability of transplanted hepatocytes and induces angiogenesis, Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2011.05.003, 112, 3, 265-272, 2011.09.
10. Hiroyuki Ijima, Yung-Te Hou, Takayuki Takei, Development of hepatocyte-embedded hydrogel-filled macroporous scaffold cultures using transglutaminase, Biochemical Engineering Journal, 10.1016/j.bej.2010.09.003, 52, 276-281, 2010.11.
11. Yung-Te Hou, Hiroyuki Ijima, Shunichi Matsumoto, Takafumi Kubo, Takayuki Takei, Shinji Sakai, and Koei Kawakami, Effect of a hepatocyte growth factor/heparin-immobilized collagen system on albumin synthesis and spheroid formation by hepatocytes, Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, doi:10.1016/j.jbiosc.2010.01.016, 110, 2, 208-216, 2010.08.
12. Hiroyuki Ijima, Practical and functional culture technologies for primary hepatocytes, Biochemical Engineering Journal, 10.1016/j.bej.2009.10.003, 48, 3, 332-336, Vol.48, No.3, pp.332-336, 2010.02.
13. Hiroyuki Ijima, Hiroshi Mizumoto, Kohji Nakazawa, Toshihisa Kajiwara, Taku Matsushita, Kazumori Funatsu, Hepatocyte growth factor and epidermal growth factor promote spheroid formation in polyurethane foam/hepatocyte culture and improve expression and maintenance of albumin production, Biochemical Engineering Journal, 10.1016/j.bej.2009.06.012, 47, 1-3, 19-26, Vol.47, No.1-3, pp.19-26, 2009.12.
14. Hiroyuki Ijima, Takafumi Kubo, Yung-Te Hou, Primary rat hepatocytes form spheroids on hepatocyte growth factor/heparin-immobilized collagen film and maintain high albumin production, Biochemical Engineering Journal, 10.1016/j.bej.2009.05.017, 46, 2, 227-233, Vol.46, No.2, pp.227-233, 2009.10.
15. Hiroyuki IJIMA, Shohei KURODA, Koei KAWAKAMI, Degoxin transport by renal proximal tubule cells is enhanced on adhesive synthetic RGD peptide, The International Journal of Artificial Organs, Vol.30, No.1, pp.25-33, 2007.01.
16. Hiroyuki Ijima, Koei Kawakami, Promote a monolayer formation and highly express the ammonia metabolism of primary rat hepatocyte on a RGD-containing peptide coated polystyrene dish, Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering, Vol.100, No.1, pp.62-66, 2005.07.
17. Shinji Sakai, Kenji Kawabata, Tsutomu Ono, Hiroyuki Ijima, Koei Kawami, Development of mammalian cell-enclosing subsieve-size agarose capsules (Biomaterials, 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2004.11.043, 26, 23, 4786-4792, Vol.26, pp.4786-4792, 2005.01.
18. Koei Kawakami, Yoshihide Sera, Shinji Sakai, Tsutomu Ono, Hiroyuki Ijima, Development and Characterization of a Silica Monolith Immobilized Enzyme Micro-bioreactor, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 10.1021/ie049354f, 44, 1, 236-240, Vol.44, No.1, pp.236-240, 2005.01.
Presentations
1. Drug delivery system with nanogel emulsion applicable to cancer and central nervous system diseases .
2. Application development of decellularized tissue.
3. Uehara Uyeda Mario Kokichi、Wu Fanqi、Fukuda Yukako、Sakai Yusuke、Shirakigawa Nana、Miyata Tatsunori、Nakao Yosuke、Yamao Takanobu、Aishima Shinichi、Yamashita Yo-ichi、Baba Hideo、Ijima Hiroyuki, Development and Functional Evaluation of a Miniature Liver Model
(ミニチュア肝臓モデルの開発と機能評価), 化学工学会第87年会, 2022.03.
4. Construction of Whole Organ Engineering, and Regenerative Medicine - Liver -, [URL].
5. Nana Shirakigawa, Hiroki Sakamoto, Cho Jaeyong, Daisuke Imai, Yo-ichi Yamashita, Ken Shirabe, Yoshihiko Maehara, Hiroyuki Ijima, Fundamental technology for the creation of whole liver engineering, and functional evaluation of recellularized liver, 2015 4th TERMIS World Congress (Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society), 2015.09, Technology for regenerative medicine based on tissue engineering is desired earnestly as an effective medical treatment for serious organ diseases. Especially, liver is a central organ for metabolism in our body and is complicated structure. Therefore, liver tissue engineering is one of the most important and difficult themes. However, formation of tissue-like structure with the thickness more than 1mm is still impossible, because oxygen consumption rate of hepatocytes is higher than the other organs’ cells. Scale-up and easy process development are required. For the realization, creation of whole liver engineering (WLE) consisting of cells, functional ECM and fine organ template will be indispensable.
Heparin-collagen conjugate and solubilized liver ECM were developed as growth factor-immobilizable materials. VEGF and HGF were immobilized on these functional materials (>90%). Hepatocytes on these materials well expressed various liver-specific functions in vitro. Hepatocytes or fetal liver cells (FLCs)-embedded functional gel was subcutaneously transplanted into rat. Angiogenesis and viability of hepatocytes were enhanced in the gel. Furthermore, transplanted FLCs form liver tissue-like structure with vascular network.
Organ-scale scaffold having a template of blood vessel network was obtained by decellularization with detergent. The fineness of the network was the same as original liver, evaluated by 3D-CT. Furthermore, endothelialization and expression of liver-specific function of hepatocytes were confirmed. Furthermore, recellularized liver well metabolize ammonia during blood circulation.
Based on the above-mentioned results, we expected that fundamental technology for the creation of WLE was developed.
Keywords: Whole organ engineering, Decellularized liver, Liver tissue engineering, Functional ECM.
6. Hiroyuki Ijima, Shintaro Nakamura, Jingia Ye, Nana Shirakigawa, Daisuke Imai, Yo-ichi Yamashita, Ken Shirabe, Yoshihiko Maehara, Fundamental technology for the creation of Whole Liver Engineering, TERMIS-AP 2014 (Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society, Asia-Pacific Annual Conference 2014), 2014.09, Technology for regenerative medicine based on tissue engineering is desired earnestly as an effective medical treatment for serious organ diseases. Especially, liver is a central organ for metabolism in our body and is complicated structure. Therefore, liver tissue engineering is one of the most important and difficult themes. However, formation of tissue-like structure with the thickness more than 1mm is still impossible, because oxygen consumption rate of hepatocytes is higher than the other organs’ cells. Development for upsizing and easy process is required. For the realization, creation of whole liver engineering (WLE) consisting of cells, functional ECM and fine organ template will be indispensable.
Heparin-collagen conjugate and solubilized liver ECM were developed as growth factor-immobilizable materials. VEGF and HGF were immobilized on these functional materials (>90%). Hepatocytes on these materials well expressed various liver-specific functions in vitro. Hepatocytes or fetal liver cells (FLCs)-embedded functional gel was subcutaneously transplanted into rat. Angiogenesis and viability of hepatocytes were enhanced in the gel. Furthermore, transplanted FLCs form liver tissue-like structure with vascular network.
Organ-scale scaffold having a template of blood vessel network was obtained by decellularization with detergent. The fineness of the network was the same as original liver, evaluated by 3D-CT. Furthermore, endothelialization and expression of liver-specific function of hepatocytes were confirmed. In other words, initial structure of WLE was successfully developed. Additionally, blood circulation system containing recellularized liver and functional evaluation system of the liver were developed.
Based on the above-mentioned results, fundamental technology for the creation of WLE was developed.

Keywords: Whole organ engineering, Decellularized liver, Liver tissue engineering, Functional ECM.
7. Basic Study for Liver Tissue Engineering by Using Decellularized Organ.
8. Cell-embedded functional gel-filled scaffold culture for liver tissue engineering
Hiroyuki Ijima, Nana Shirakigawa, Yung-Te Hou, Shintaro Nakamura, Takayuki Takei, Koei Kawakami .
9. Organoid formation and the function expression of primary rat hepatocytes are improved by culturing with hepatocyte growth factor-immobilized culture substratum.
Membership in Academic Society
  • The Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan
  • Japanese Society for Artificial Organs
  • The Society for Biotechnology, Japan
  • The Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine
  • The Japanese Society for Biomaterials
  • Japan Bioindustry Association
  • Japanese Society for Alternative to Animal Experiments
  • Japanese Association for Animal Cell Technology
Awards
  • Base structure consisting of an endothelialized vascular-tree network and hepatocytes for whole liver engineering
    (JBB Volume 116, Issue 6, December 2013, Pages 740-745)
Educational
Educational Activities
Biomaterials engineering

Bichemical Engineering

Bioprocess Engineering II

Bioprocess Engineering I

The second basics physical chemistry and practice

Fundamentals of bioengineering

The second/the third materials science engineering expriment

Cell Biology
Other Educational Activities
  • 2008.12.
Social
Professional and Outreach Activities
International collaboration for the development of cell chip using non-adhesive single cell culture technology .