Development of an In Vitro Circulatory Metabolic Support System Using Liver Organoids

The liver plays a central role in maintaining systemic homeostasis through the processing of harmful substances such as ammonia, the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids, and the production of plasma proteins and bioactive factors. In this study, we aim to develop a system that incorporates human iPS cell-derived liver organoids into an extracorporeal circulation circuit to simultaneously remove and convert metabolites and supply beneficial factors through the exchange of substances with the patient’s blood. Furthermore, by comprehensively analyzing changes in blood metabolites and inflammation-related factors, we aim to elucidate the dynamic metabolic network between the living body and the organoids, with the goal of establishing innovative organ and metabolic support technologies for severe liver diseases, including acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).