Primary rodent hepatocytes maintained synthetic functions after encapsulation and cryopreservation short-term. IHH showed minimal albumin secretion in the absence of encapsulation and cryopreservation, suggesting that hepatocytes loose specific functions after immortalization. After induction of FLF in mice, intraperitoneal Tx of encapsulated (primary or immortalized, fresh or cryopreserved) xenogeneic hepatocytes significantly improved survival. These results indicate that naïve and genetically modified hepatocytes can successfully be encapsulated, stored using cryopreservation, and be transplanted into xenogeneic recipients with liver failure and sustain liver metabolic functions.

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