Hollow fibre membrane bioreactor functionalized with GO‐cryogel 3D matrix promotes liver cell anchoring and their functional maintenance

Abstract

The extracorporeal bioartificial liver (BAL) support system with hepatocytes is one of the promising therapeutic approaches for acute liver failure patients to assist in the liver transplantation or facilitate the liver to regenerate (Zhang et al., 2014). The main features to improve the BAL include cell source, sustaining hepatocytes functions and efficient bioreactor design. Scarcity of human liver cells and their restricted ability to proliferate in vitro attract a better cell culture environment that can improve the primary cell expansion, immortalized cell lines or stem cell differentiation of stem cells. Thus, the combined features of the hepatocytes microenvironment and the design of the bioreactor can result in efficacious and scalable liver-centric functions (Allen & Bhatia, 2002). In tissue engineering, a three-dimensional (3D) matrix maintaining functional cells is a potential in vitro biomimetic system. In vitro system is preferred over in vivo models because it offers several advantages, which include evaluation of toxicity mechanism, analysis of drug response relationship, requires a minimal amount of a drug for accessible and direct screening, less expensive and time-saving.Immunoisolation is also an important aspect of BAL. There are different ways of immunoisolation, each offering its advantages

Polymeric Membranes for Biomedical Applications

“…The developed membranes are able to mimic the physiological environment. Further, in the last years, the development of membrane bioreactors was reported, which are able to potentially optimize the treatment during reversible acute liver disease or while waiting for a liver transplant [ 206 ]. The hollow fiber membrane bioreactors (HFMBRs) are used to develop liver tissue constructs for bioartificial liver (BAL) or as an in vitro drug discovery and testing platform [ 207 ].…”

Nonwoven Hemostatic Dressings Formed by Contact Drawing of Interposed Polyethylene Oxide (PEO)‐Fibrinogen and PEO‐Thrombin Microfibers

“…Hemolysis was performed following standard protocols. [41,42] Briefly, whole blood was centrifuged at 200 RCF for 15 min. The top layer containing platelet rich plasma was removed.…”