Hybrid artificial liver using hepatocyte organoid culture

Artif Organs. 2001 Mar;25(3):194-200. doi: 10.1046/j.1525-1594.2001.025003194.x.

Abstract

We developed 2 types of hybrid artificial liver modules using hepatocyte organoid culture. One was a polyurethane foam (PUF)/hepatocyte spheroid packed-bed module. Hepatocytes spontaneously formed spheroids in the PUF pores, and they maintained liver-specific functions well for at least 2 weeks in vitro. As a preclinical experiment, a hybrid artificial liver with 200 g porcine hepatocytes was applied to a pig (25 kg) with liver failure and showed that the hybrid artificial liver was effective in support of liver functions and stabilization of general conditions. We established a new technique of hepatocyte organoid formation using centrifugal force. A hepatocyte organoid formed by centrifugation in hollow fibers maintained functions for more than 4 months in vitro. We developed a new sinusoid-like structure module having hollow fibers arranged by spacers in a micro-regular arrangement. Inoculated hepatocytes in the extra-fiber space of the module formed the organoid by centrifugation, and they maintained the functions for at least 1 month in vitro. The results indicated that this module seems to be promising as a hybrid artificial liver.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Centrifugation
  • Dogs
  • Hepatocytes / cytology*
  • Hepatocytes / physiology
  • Liver Failure / therapy
  • Liver, Artificial*
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Organoids* / cytology
  • Organoids* / physiology
  • Polyurethanes
  • Rats
  • Swine

Substances

  • Polyurethanes