Collagen-rich liver-derived extracellular matrix hydrogels augment survival and function of primary rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are key targets for addressing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). However, isolating and culturing primary LSECs is challenging due to rapid dedifferentiation, resulting in loss of function. The extracellular matrix (ECM) likely plays a crucial role in maintaining the fate and function of LSECs. In this study, we explored the influence of liver-ECM (L-ECM) on liver cells and developed culture conditions that maintain the differentiated function of liver cells in vitro for prolonged periods. Porcine liver-derived L-ECM, containing 34.9 % protein, 0.045 % glycosaminoglycans, and negligible residual DNA (41.2 ng/mg), was utilized to culture primary rat liver cells in generated hydrogels. Proteomic analyses and molecular weight distribution of proteins of solubilized L-ECM revealed the typical diverse ECM core matrisome, with abundant collagens. L-ECM hydrogels showed suitable stiffness and stress relaxation properties. Furthermore, we demonstrated that collagen-rich L-ECM hydrogels enhanced LSECs' and hepatocytes' viability, and reduced the dedifferentiation rate of LSECs. In addition, hepatocyte function was maintained longer by culture on L-ECM hydrogels compared to traditional culturing. These beneficial effects are likely attributed to the bioactive macromolecules including collagens, and mechanical and microarchitectural properties of the L-ECM hydrogels.