Development of blood capillary network in vitro
Organ transplantation has become an essential treatment modality in saving and prolonging lives. The major sources of organs are deceased donors after brain death. If you can create organs artificially in vitro, all patients awaiting transplantation can have an organ transplant.
Cells can survive in organs because capillary blood vessels supply them with sufficient oxygen and nutrients. This shows that development of a blood capillary network is essential for creating organs in vitro. Our research group has focused on such blood capillary networks in vitro.
Development of hydrogels with low toxicity
For creating organs in vitro, the proliferation of cells between capillary blood vessels is also important. Hydrogel is a suitable material for cell proliferation due to its flexibility.
Many conventional hydrogels include toxic chemicals. The toxic chemicals prevent cell proliferation in the hydrogels. Our research group has focused on development of hydrogels with low toxicity.
