Biofunctionalized 3D scafolds to guide the development et spatial organisation of Cardiac and liver organoids from hIPSCs

In this presentation, we will explore the role of spatially distributed growth factors in directing stem cell differentiation and tissue organization. I will introduce an experimental strategy that employs 3D colloidal scaffolds biofunctionalized with growth factors and embedded within spheroids of human stem cells. These scaffolds act as artificial organizing centers, guiding the spatial architecture of cardiac and liver organoids. I will demonstrate how the localization of these artificial centers influences the intrinsic secretion and deposition of tissue-specific extracellular matrix, which in turn directs cell differentiation and morphogenesis through the self-organized formation of local microniches. I will present results showing how this approach enables the in vitro recapitulation of periportal area development in the human liver and promotes the guided elongation of millimeter-scale bile ducts. Finally, I will discuss the potential of these colloidal scaffolds to support the assembly and spatial integration of multi-organ assembloids.