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Abstract

Hybrid artificial liver systems are being developed as a temporary extracorporeal liver support therapy. A short overview is given which emphasizes the development of hepatocyte culture models for bioreactors, subsequent in vitro studies, animal studies and the clinical application of hybrid liver support systems. An own bioreactor construction has been designed for the utilization of hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The reactor is based on capillaries for hepatocyte aggregate immobilization, coated with biomatrix. Four separate capillary membrane systems, each permitting a different function, are woven in order to create a three-dimensional network. Cells are perfused via independent capillary membrane compartments. Decentralized oxygen supply and carbon dioxide removal with low gradients is possible. There is a decentralized co-culture compartment for nonparenchymal liver cells. The use of identical parallel units to supply a few hepatocytes facilitates scale-up.

Fibrin Hydrogels for Endothelialized Liver Tissue Engineering with a Predesigned Vascular Network

“…Zheng et al fabricated a tubular endothelialized microchannel using a collagen matrix [20]. Golden et al used a sacrificial micromold to create microfluidic meshes in collagen and fibrin hydrogels [21,22]. Miller et al printed carbohydrate glass to form latticed vascular-like networks [23].…”

Glucural (Amigluracyl) Improves Survival of Isolated Rat Hepatocytes in Suspension

“…Fetal and adult hepatocytes are used for transplantation in liver diseases [1,4]. The creation of hepatocyte suspension or primary culturebased means for replacement of damaged liver is in progress [2,3]. Hepatocyte capacity to detoxifi cation of exogenous xenobiotics is used for creation of test systems in pharmacology [5].…”