A novel configuration of bioartificial liver support system based on circulating microcarrier culture

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to initiate a new bioartificial liver support system that utilizes circulating microcarrier cultures in the extracapillary space of a hollow fiber cartridge. The material exchange occurs on the membranes of the hollow fiber. Toxins are metabolized by the circulating cells on the microcarriers driven by a centrifugal pump. We inoculated 2-3 x 10E8 Hep G2 cells on 2.5 grams of Cytodex 3 microcarriers, and allowed them flowing in the extracapillary space of a modified plasma filter. 10% FCS Medium was pumped through the capillaries at different rates. Cells keep morphological integrity and functionality during the circulation. These preliminary results suggest that this configuration of a bioartificial liver support system offers a future investigation.