Liver Regeneration and Its Emerging Applications in Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering: A Comprehensive Review

Liver regeneration is an extraordinary biological phenomenon characterized by the
organ’s ability to restore its mass and function after injury, surgical resection, or
disease. This process is predominantly driven by the proliferation of mature
hepatocytes, regulated by intricate cellular and molecular signaling pathways, and
influenced by the local microenvironment, immune response, and systemic factors
(1–6). Despite extensive research, many aspects of liver regenerative biology
remain to be elucidated, particularly regarding the limited role of resident
stem/progenitor cells and the potential contribution of circulating progenitors (7–
10). Recent advancements in molecular biology, stem cell technology,
biomaterials, and biofabrication are paving the way for innovative approaches such
as cell therapy, tissue engineering, and bioprinting to treat liver failure (11–12).
Future prospects include the development of vascularized bioengineered organs,
gene editing techniques, and personalized regenerative strategies, which may
revolutionize the management of liver diseases. Nevertheless, significant scientific,
technical, regulatory, and ethical challenges must be overcome before these
therapies become clinical reality. This review highlights current understanding of
liver regenerative mechanisms, examines emerging therapeutic approaches, and
explores future directions in liver tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.