Abstract: A method of obtaining 3D cell structures including differentiated human hepatic cells. The method includes: a first step of culturing stem cell-derived or immortalized human hepatic progenitors in a non-adherent culture vessel, preferably a low or ultra-low attachment culture vessel; a second step of transferring the stem cell-derived or immortalized human hepatic progenitors to a culture medium including methacrylated gelatin (GelMa), thereby embedding the stem cell-derived or immortalized human hepatic progenitors in a GelMa matrix; and a third step of covering the GelMa matrix with culture medium and culturing the stem cell-derived or immortalized human hepatic progenitors embedded in the GelMa matrix, thereby obtaining 3D cell structures including differentiated human hepatic cells. Also, methods for engineering an artificial liver model or an artificial liver organ, and for assessing in vitro the metabolism, toxicity and/or therapeutic effects of a compound.

Abstract: A method of culturing animal cells, preferably primary hepatocytes, including a first step of culturing the animal cells in non-adherent culture vessel, preferably a low or ultra-low attachment culture vessel, a second step of embedding the animal cells in a collagen matrix or in a gelatin matrix, and a third step of culturing the animal cells embedded in the collagen matrix or in the gelatin matrix, thereby obtaining 3D animal cell structures including proliferative animal cells, preferably spheroids including proliferative primary hepatocytes. Also, a spheroid including proliferative primary hepatocytes and the uses thereof for engineering an artificial liver model or an artificial liver organ, and for assessing in vitro the liver toxicity, genotoxicity and/or the effects of a drug or a compound.