Development of a Hybrid Bioartificial Liver

Abstract

Plasma perfusion through a system consisting of a charcoal column and matrix-attached porcine hepatocytes had significant beneficial effects in animals with liver failure and was well tolerated by a patient with liver failure.

Hepatic reconstruction from fetal porcine liver cells using a radial flow bioreactor

“…Thus, there are similarities between the RFB and the anatomy of hepatic lobules ( Figure 1B) [2,7] . Because of the easy availability, recent reports point out a clinical use of BAL systems that utilize animal cells [8,9] . Fetal porcine hepatocytes have a high proliferative potential in vitro.…”

Effects of a bioartificial liver support system on acetaminophen induced acute liver failure canines

“…In BALSS the exotic hepatocytes were used to exchange the substances with the ALF blood, so that it can temporarily replace the complex liver functions of ALF patients directly from the exotic hepatocytes. Now there are several types of BALSS and a few small animal experiments and clinical study reports with various therapeutic effects [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][9][10][11] . The studies of BALSS in China are still in the initial stage and the BALSS techniques are not mature.…”

“…The recent developed artificial liver support systems, especially the bioartificial liver support systems (BALSS), which perfuse the ALF blood with the exotic hepatocytes to temporarily replace the complex functions of illed liver such as synthesis, detoxication and biotransformation, provide a brand-new approach to treat the ALF [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] . But the difficulties in acquiring high-density culturing of hepatocytes, lack of a stable and well-reproducible big animal model of ALF impededed the development of BALSS researches.…”

Review article: liver support systems in acute hepatic failure

“…primary pig hepatocytes rather than a human tumour derived cell line; the perfusate, which is plasma rather than blood; and the presence of a charcoal column ®ltering the plasma prior to its entry to the bioreactor. 102,103 Hepatocytes are isolated from pigs and attached to collagen-coated dextran microcarriers. More recently cryopreserved cells have been used.…”