Development of co-cultured hepatocytes with liver mesenchymal cells (matrix synthesizing stellate cells, endothelial cells, and macro phages) is a focus area in the liver tissue engineering program. These co- cultures allow cellular populations to assemble into organoids, with plates of hepatocytes overlayed with fenestrated sinusoidal endothelial cells and bile duct structures. Such co-cultures allow for long-term differentiation and maintenance of hepatocyte function, a characteristic notoriously difficult to achieve or maintain in hepatocyte culture.

The challenges that are facing researchers in this field of study are very complex. Liver Tissue Engineering requires the knowledge and expertise in several scientific areas, including most notably cell biology and bioengineering.