Development of a bioreactor based on magnetically stabilized fluidized bed for bioartificial liver

Abstract

Bioartificial liver (BAL) based on microcapsules has been proposed as a potential treatment for acute liver failure. The bioreactors used in such BAL are usually expected to achieve sufficient flow rate and minimized void volume for effective application. Due to the superiorities in bed pressure drop and operation velocity, magnetically stabilized fluidized beds (MSFBs) show the potential to serve as ideal microcapsule-based bioreactors. In the present study, we attempted to develop a microcapsule-based MSFB bioreactor for bioartificial liver device. Compared to conventional-fluidized bed bioreactors, the bioreactor presented here increased perfusion velocity and decreased void volume significantly. Meanwhile, the mechanical stability as well as the immunoisolation property of magnetite microcapsules were well maintained during the fluidization. Besides, the magnetite microcapsules were found no toxicity to cell survival. Therefore, our study might provide a novel approach for the design of microcapsule-based bioartificial liver bioreactors.

Bioartificial livers: a review of their design and manufacture

“…(F) A novel diversion-type microcapsule-suspension fluidized bed bioreactor (reproduced with permission from [102]). (G) A magnetically stabilized fluidized bed bioreactor (reproduced with permission from [107]).…”

“…et al [107] after they utilized Fe 3 O 4 particles for the preparation of magnetite microcapsules. Under the effect of a magnetic field, the perfusion velocity increased, while the void volume significantly decreased (figure 4).…”

Cell therapy in chronic liver disease

“…Consequently, many studies have focused on developing hepatocyte carriers that allow for high seeding densities and hepatocyte-specific functions, such as macroporous cryogels and blood-compatible polymers (50, 51), as well as on methods of monitoring hepatocyte status in bioreactors in order to improve function and viability (52). Microcapsule-based bioreactors are being built that may in the future be incorporated into the design of BAL systems (53, 54). Another method for hepatocyte preservation within the BAL is the use of spheroids.…”