Development of three-dimensional organ culture system
Reproduce the mechanisms of blood circulation in the living body
The development of a system to culture, maintain, and raise the organs ex vivo is required for the realization of organ regeneration. However, employing current technology, organs cannot be cultured, maintaining their three-dimensional organ structure. We address the development of the vascular network reconstruction technology and its culture system in order to maintain and raise the three-dimensional organs.
Our bodies have functional organs due to the three-dimensional spatial arrangement of cells, and these organs function and homeostasis is maintained throughout the lifespan.
The most effective way to maintain organ function is to reproduce the mechanisms for blood circulation used by the living body, and to develop a three-dimensional organ culture system with the mechanisms to replace the function of the intravital organs.
Applications for transplantation therapy using a three-dimensional organ culture system
Organ transplantation is an effective therapy for organ dysfunction. However, organ transplantation therapy cannot be affected by deficiencies in the donor organ.
Therefore, we have aimed at manufacturing medical equipment for long-term conservation of the donor organs in vitro.
Further, we expect to develop the next generation basic technologies to create bioengineered donor organs.
Figure: Perfusion culture of in vitro organ culture system
