In Vitro Liver Fibrosis 2D/3D Research Models
Model Overview
In vitro liver fibrosis models simulate the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (e.g., collagen, fibronectin) in response to chronic liver injury. These models are essential for studying fibrogenesis mechanisms, anti-fibrotic drug screening, and therapeutic validation.
1. 2D Liver Fibrosis Models
Construction:
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated in monolayer culture using pro-fibrotic stimuli (e.g., TGF-β1, PDGF).
Co-culture with hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, or endothelial cells to mimic cell-cell crosstalk.
Applications:
High-throughput screening of anti-fibrotic agents.
Mechanistic studies of HSC activation (e.g., α-SMA expression, ECM secretion).
Advantages:
Cost-effective, scalable, and compatible with molecular biology assays (e.g., qPCR, Western blot).
2. 3D Liver Fibrosis Models
Construction:
3D spheroids/organoids: Co-culture HSCs, hepatocytes, and NPCs in ECM-rich matrices (e.g., collagen, Matrigel).
Bioengineered scaffolds: Decellularized liver scaffolds or synthetic hydrogels to mimic fibrotic tissue stiffness.
Microfluidic systems: Simulate dynamic nutrient/cytokine gradients and shear stress.
Applications:
Advantages:
Recapitulate spatial ECM deposition, hypoxic zones, and immune cell infiltration seen in vivo.
Support long-term modeling of fibrosis progression and regression.
Key Features
Pathological Biomarkers:
Quantify collagen deposition (Sirius Red staining, hydroxyproline assays).
Assess α-SMA (activated HSC marker), TIMP-1, and MMP activity.
Functional Assays:
Technical Capabilities
Customizable Models:
Disease-specific fibrosis (e.g., NASH-driven, viral hepatitis-driven).
Species-specific (human, mouse, rat) or patient-derived cells.
Multi-Omics Integration:
Why Choose Our Models?
Developed by a team with 14+ years of liver research expertise, our fibrosis models bridge the gap between simplistic in vitro systems and complex in vivo biology, accelerating drug discovery and mechanistic breakthroughs.
