Systems and methods for fabricating hydrogels with intrinsic vascular channels for liver tissue engineering

An implantable device comprising:

• a body comprising a hydrogel material;
• a first channel network formed in the body and configured to receive cells;
• and
• a second intrinsic channel network formed in the body and configured to allow for active flow of a fluid to support viability and/or function of the cells in the first intrinsic channel network, wherein
• the first intrinsic channel network comprises a first channel,
• the second intrinsic channel network comprises a second channel,
• at least a segment of the first channel and a segment of the second channel are parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other at a first distance, and
• the body between the segment of the first channel and the segment of the second channel forms a first nanoporous hydrogel barrier that allows for fluidic communication between the first channel and the second channel to nourish the cells.