Hollow fiber bioreactor with genetically modified hepatic cells as a model of biologically active function block of the bioartificial liver

Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, that can lead to liver failure, are major public health issues, with liver transplantation as the only effective treatment. However, the limited availability of transplantable organs has spurred research into alternative therapies, including bioartificial livers. To date, liver hybrid support devices, using porcine hepatocytes or hepatoma-derived cell lines, have failed to demonstrate efficacy in clinical trials.

Here, for the first time, we report the construction of a model of biologically active function block of bioartificial liver based on a hollow fiber bioreactor populated with genetically modified hepatic cells. For comprehensive comparison the culturing of hepatic cells was carried out in both static and dynamic conditions in a medium that flowed through porous polysulfone capillaries. The most crucial parameters, such as cell viability, glucose consumption, albumin secretion and urea production, were analyzed in static conditions while glucose usage and albumin production were compared in dynamic cell cultures. This model has the potential to improve the development of bioartificial liver devices and contribute to the treatment of patients with impaired liver function.