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Kasturi M, Mathur V, Gadre M, Srinivasan V, Vasanthan KS. Three Dimensional Bioprinting for Hepatic Tissue Engineering: From In Vitro Models to Clinical Applications. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:21-52. [PMID: 37882981 PMCID: PMC10764711 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-023-00576-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fabrication of functional organs is the holy grail of tissue engineering and the possibilities of repairing a partial or complete liver to treat chronic liver disorders are discussed in this review. Liver is the largest gland in the human body and plays a responsible role in majority of metabolic function and processes. Chronic liver disease is one of the leading causes of death globally and the current treatment strategy of organ transplantation holds its own demerits. Hence there is a need to develop an in vitro liver model that mimics the native microenvironment. The developed model should be a reliable to understand the pathogenesis, screen drugs and assist to repair and replace the damaged liver. The three-dimensional bioprinting is a promising technology that recreates in vivo alike in vitro model for transplantation, which is the goal of tissue engineers. The technology has great potential due to its precise control and its ability to homogeneously distribute cells on all layers in a complex structure. This review gives an overview of liver tissue engineering with a special focus on 3D bioprinting and bioinks for liver disease modelling and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghana Kasturi
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Vidhi Mathur
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Mrunmayi Gadre
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Varadharajan Srinivasan
- Department of Civil Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Kirthanashri S Vasanthan
- Manipal Centre for Biotherapeutics Research, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Ali M, Payne SL. Biomaterial-based cell delivery strategies to promote liver regeneration. Biomater Res 2021; 25:5. [PMID: 33632335 PMCID: PMC7905561 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-021-00206-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis is a widespread and untreatable condition that leads to lifelong impairment and eventual death. The scarcity of liver transplantation options requires the development of new strategies to attenuate disease progression and reestablish liver function by promoting regeneration. Biomaterials are becoming an increasingly promising option to both culture and deliver cells to support in vivo viability and long-term function. There is a wide variety of both natural and synthetic biomaterials that are becoming established as delivery vehicles with their own unique advantages and disadvantages for liver regeneration. We review the latest developments in cell transplantation strategies to promote liver regeneration, with a focus on the use of both natural and synthetic biomaterials for cell culture and delivery. We conclude that future work will need to refine the use of these biomaterials and combine them with novel strategies that recapitulate liver organization and function in order to translate this strategy to clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maqsood Ali
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, South Korea
| | - Samantha L Payne
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
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Liu W, Zhang M, Xiao Y, Ye Z, Zhou Y, Lang M, Tan WS. Fabrication and in vitro evaluation of a packed-bed bioreactor based on galactosylated poly(ethylene terephthalate) microfibrous scaffolds. Biochem Eng J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bej.2020.107565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Liver Bioreactor Design Issues of Fluid Flow and Zonation, Fibrosis, and Mechanics: A Computational Perspective. J Funct Biomater 2020; 11:jfb11010013. [PMID: 32121053 PMCID: PMC7151609 DOI: 10.3390/jfb11010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering, with the goal of repairing or replacing damaged tissue and organs, has continued to make dramatic science-based advances since its origins in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Such advances are always multi-disciplinary in nature, from basic biology and chemistry through physics and mathematics to various engineering and computer fields. This review will focus its attention on two topics critical for tissue engineering liver development: (a) fluid flow, zonation, and drug screening, and (b) biomechanics, tissue stiffness, and fibrosis, all within the context of 3D structures. First, a general overview of various bioreactor designs developed to investigate fluid transport and tissue biomechanics is given. This includes a mention of computational fluid dynamic methods used to optimize and validate these designs. Thereafter, the perspective provided by computer simulations of flow, reactive transport, and biomechanics responses at the scale of the liver lobule and liver tissue is outlined, in addition to how bioreactor-measured properties can be utilized in these models. Here, the fundamental issues of tortuosity and upscaling are highlighted, as well as the role of disease and fibrosis in these issues. Some idealized simulations of the effects of fibrosis on lobule drug transport and mechanics responses are provided to further illustrate these concepts. This review concludes with an outline of some practical applications of tissue engineering advances and how efficient computational upscaling techniques, such as dual continuum modeling, might be used to quantify the transition of bioreactor results to the full liver scale.
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Hou YT, Hsu CC. Development of a 3D porous chitosan/gelatin liver scaffold for a bioartificial liver device. J Biosci Bioeng 2020; 129:741-748. [PMID: 32014416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Functional artificial livers (FALs), with embedded hepatocytes that perform the functions of a normal liver, have been developed during the past decades. It is important to note that the liver scaffold, which is a biologically functional core of bioartificial livers, plays a vital role in the bio-cartridge within a bioartificial liver. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) liver scaffold for in vitro cultures was fabricated by freeze-drying a chitosan/gelatin (CG) solution. A CG scaffold has advantages such as (i) inexpensive and easy-to-make; (ii) easy to fabricate with varying compressive modulus by changing the concentration of glutaraldehyde; (iii) non-cytotoxicity; and (iv) porous structure is similar to extracellular matrix (ECM), thus facilitating hepatocyte adhesion and proliferation. The results revealed that the compressive modulus and maintainability of a CG scaffold was correlated to the increase in glutaraldehyde. Furthermore, hepatocyte viability and hepatic functions showed the best performances with a 0.61% glutaraldehyde-CG scaffold. This CG scaffold not only had higher hepatocyte biocompatibility and mechanical strength, but also maintained hepatic functions and viability in vitro cultures; especially, the mechanical properties of 0.61% glutaraldehyde-CG scaffold were very similar to those in normal liver. The CG scaffold as a liver scaffold may have high potential for further bioartificial liver design in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Te Hou
- Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 106, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chao-Chun Hsu
- Department of Biomechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 106, Taiwan, ROC
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Mirdamadi ES, Kalhori D, Zakeri N, Azarpira N, Solati-Hashjin M. Liver Tissue Engineering as an Emerging Alternative for Liver Disease Treatment. TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS 2020; 26:145-163. [PMID: 31797731 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2019.0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases affect thousands of lives throughout the world every year. The shortage of liver donors for transplantation has been the main driving force to employ alternative methods such as liver tissue engineering (LTE) in fabricating a three-dimensional transplantable liver tissue or enhancing cell delivery techniques alleviating the need for liver donors. LTE consists of three components, cells, ECM (extracellular matrix), and signaling molecules, which we discuss the first and second. The three most common cell sources used in LTE are human and animal primary hepatocytes, and stem cells for different applications. Two major categories of ECM are used to mimic the microenvironment of these cells, named scaffolds and microbeads. Scaffolds have been made by numerous methods with a wide range of synthetic and natural biomaterials. Cell encapsulation has also been utilized by many polymeric biomaterials. To investigate their functions, many properties have been discussed in the literature, such as biochemical, geometrical, and mechanical properties, in both of these categories. Overall, LTE shows excellent potential in assisting hepatic disorders. However, some challenges exist that prevent the practical use of it clinically, making LTE an ongoing research subject in the scientific society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Sadat Mirdamadi
- BioFabrication Lab (BFL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Dianoosh Kalhori
- BioFabrication Lab (BFL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Zakeri
- BioFabrication Lab (BFL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehran Solati-Hashjin
- BioFabrication Lab (BFL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
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Canová N, Kmonícková E, Lincová D, Vítek L, Farghali H. Evaluation of a Flat Membrane Hepatocyte Bioreactor for Pharmacotoxicological Applications: Evidence that Inhibition of Spontaneously Produced Nitric Oxide Improves Cell Functionality. Altern Lab Anim 2019; 32:25-35. [PMID: 15603551 DOI: 10.1177/026119290403200106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A laboratory-scale bioreactor was re-evaluated, with the aim of improving its use for the perfused culture of rat hepatocytes. In contrast to conventional culture systems, the flat membrane bioreactor (FMB) showed good functionality and biochemical competence during 2-3 days. Hepatocytes cultured in the FMB, specifically in a "sandwich" configuration, were functionally stable, as shown by a high rate of urea biosynthesis after challenge with NH4Cl, a low alanine-aminotransferase leakage and suppressed spontaneous nitric oxide (NO) production. Moreover, the time-course of the disappearance of cyclosporin A (CsA) from the perfusate demonstrated the high biotransformation capacity of cells in the FMB. The effect of CsA on the modulation of urea and spontaneous NO production demonstrated flexibility, in that minor changes could be observed at diverse time intervals and in a non-destructive way. The monitoring of nitrite levels during various steps of isolation and culture suggested that spontaneously produced NO has a negative impact on hepatocyte metabolic and functional integrity. In spite of the sophisticated techniques that are being used for the preparation of bioreactors, with hepatocytes surviving for longer periods, our data have shed light on some factors that could be important for the successful use of similar models for pharmacotoxicological and other biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolina Canová
- Institute of Pharmacology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, 12800 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Nikolic M, Sustersic T, Filipovic N. In vitro Models and On-Chip Systems: Biomaterial Interaction Studies With Tissues Generated Using Lung Epithelial and Liver Metabolic Cell Lines. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2018; 6:120. [PMID: 30234106 PMCID: PMC6129577 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2018.00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro models are very important in medicine and biology, because they provide an insight into cells' and microorganisms' behavior. Since these cells and microorganisms are isolated from their natural environment, these models may not completely or precisely predict the effects on the entire organism. Improvement in this area is secured by organ-on-a-chip development. The organ-on-a-chip assumes cells cultured in a microfluidic chip. The chip simulates bioactivities, mechanics and physiological behavior of organs or organ systems, generating artificial organs in that way. There are several cell lines used so far for each tested artificial organ. For lungs, mostly used cell lines are 16HBE, A549, Calu-3, NHBE, while mostly used cell lines for liver are HepG2, Hep 3B, TPH1, etc. In this paper, state of the art for lung and liver organ-on-a-chip is presented, together with the established in vitro testing on lung and liver cell lines, with the emphasis on Calu-3 (for lung cell lines) and Hep-G2 (for liver cell lines). Primary focus in this review is to discuss different researches on the topics of lung and liver cell line models, approaches in determining fate and transport, cell partitioning, cell growth and division, as well as cell dynamics, meaning toxicity and effects. The review is finalized with current research gaps and problems, stating potential future developments in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Nikolic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Steinbeis Advanced Risk Technologies Institute doo Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Tijana Sustersic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Steinbeis Advanced Risk Technologies Institute doo Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Bioengineering Research and Development Center, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nenad Filipovic
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Steinbeis Advanced Risk Technologies Institute doo Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Bioengineering Research and Development Center, Kragujevac, Serbia
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Adam AAA, van der Mark VA, Donkers JM, Wildenberg ME, Oude Elferink RPJ, Chamuleau RAFM, Hoekstra R. A practice-changing culture method relying on shaking substantially increases mitochondrial energy metabolism and functionality of human liver cell lines. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193664. [PMID: 29672606 PMCID: PMC5908182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Practice-changing culturing techniques of hepatocytes are highly required to increase their differentiation. Previously, we found that human liver cell lines HepaRG and C3A acquire higher functionality and increased mitochondrial biogenesis when cultured in the AMC-Bioartificial liver (BAL). Dynamic medium flow (DMF) is one of the major contributors to this stimulatory effect. Recently, we found that DMF-culturing by shaking of HepaRG monolayers resulted in higher mitochondrial biogenesis. Here we further investigated the effect of DMF-culturing on energy metabolism and hepatic functionality of HepaRG and C3A monolayers. HepaRG and C3A DMF-monolayers were incubated with orbital shaking at 60 rpm during the differentiation phase, while control monolayers were maintained statically. Subsequently, energy metabolism and hepatic functionality were compared between static and DMF-cultures. DMF-culturing of HepaRG cells substantially increased hepatic differentiation; transcript levels of hepatic structural genes and hepatic transcription regulators were increased up to 15-fold (Cytochrome P450 3A4) and nuclear translocation of hepatic transcription factor CEBPα was stimulated. Accordingly, hepatic functions were positively affected, including ammonia elimination, urea production, bile acid production, and CYP3A4 activity. DMF-culturing shifted energy metabolism from aerobic glycolysis towards oxidative phosphorylation, as indicated by a decline in lactate production and glucose consumption, and an increase in oxygen consumption. Similarly, DMF-culturing increased mitochondrial energy metabolism and hepatic functionality of C3A cells. In conclusion, simple shaking of monolayer cultures substantially improves mitochondrial energy metabolism and hepatic differentiation of human liver cell lines. This practice-changing culture method may prove to prolong the in-vitro maintenance of primary hepatocytes and increase hepatic differentiation of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziza A. A. Adam
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent A. van der Mark
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Experimental Surgical Laboratory, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne M. Donkers
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Manon E. Wildenberg
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department Of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald P. J. Oude Elferink
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A. F. M. Chamuleau
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruurdtje Hoekstra
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Experimental Surgical Laboratory, Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Human liver microtissue spheroids in hollow fiber membrane bioreactor. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 160:272-280. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Dabos KJ, Nelson LJ, Hewage CH, Parkinson JA, Howie AF, Sadler IH, Hayes PC, Plevris JN. Comparison of Bioenergetic Activity of Primary Porcine Hepatocytes Cultured in Four Different Media. Cell Transplant 2017; 13:213-29. [PMID: 15191159 DOI: 10.3727/000000004783984007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary hepatocytes have extensively been used in biochemical, pharmacological, and physiological research. Recently, primary porcine hepatocytes have been regarded as the cells of choice for bioartificial liver support systems. The optimum culture medium for hepatocytes to be used in such devices has yet to be defined. In this study we investigated the effectiveness of four culture media in driving energy metabolism of primary porcine hepatocytes. The media selected were William's E medium, medium 1640, medium 199, and hepatocyte medium. Cells (3 × 1010; viability 87 ± 6%) were isolated from weanling piglets and seeded on 90-mm plates in the above media supplemented with antibiotics and hormones at a density of 8 × 106 viable cells per plate. Using 1H NMR spectroscopy we looked at indices of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, ketogenesis, and ureagenesis on days 2, 4, and 6 of the experiments (n = 9). We also studied urea and albumin synthesis and total P450 content. The examined metabolic pathways of the hepatocytes were maintained by all media, although there were statistically significant differences between them. All media performed well in glycolysis, ureagenesis, and albumin synthesis. William's E medium and medium 199 outperformed the rest in gluconeogenesis. Medium 199 was best in ketogenesis. Overall, medium 199 was the best at driving energy metabolism from its constituent substrates and we think that it preferentially should be used in the culture of primary porcine hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos J Dabos
- Liver Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Hepatology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SU, Scotland, UK.
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Lü D, Gao Y, Luo C, Lü S, Wang Q, Xu X, Sun S, Wang C, Long M. Selectivity of biopolymer membranes using HepG2 cells. Regen Biomater 2016; 2:21-9. [PMID: 26816630 PMCID: PMC4669028 DOI: 10.1093/rb/rbu018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioartificial liver (BAL) system has emerged as an alternative treatment to bridge acute liver failure to either liver transplantation or liver regeneration. One of the main reasons that the efficacy of the current BAL systems was not convincing in clinical trials is attributed to the lack of friendly interface between the membrane and the hepatocytes in liver bioreactor, the core unit of BAL system. Here, we systematically compared the biological responses of hepatosarcoma HepG2 cells seeded on eight, commercially available biocompatible membranes made of acetyl cellulose–nitrocellulose mixed cellulose (CA–NC), acetyl cellulose (CA), nylon (JN), polypropylene (PP), nitrocellulose (NC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polycarbonate (PC) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Physicochemical analysis and mechanical tests indicated that CA, JN and PP membranes yield high adhesivity and reasonable compressive and/or tensile features with friendly surface topography for cell seeding. Cells prefer to adhere on CA, JN, PP or PTFE membranes with high proliferation rate in spheriod-like shape. Actin, albumin and cytokeratin 18 expressions are favorable for cells on CA or PP membrane, whereas protein filtration is consistent among all the eight membranes. These results further the understandings of cell growth, morphology and spreading, as well as protein filtration on distinct membranes in designing a liver bioreactor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyuan Lü
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Yuxin Gao
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chunhua Luo
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shouqian Lü
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Xianghong Xu
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Shujin Sun
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Chengzhi Wang
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Mian Long
- Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- *Correspondence address. Center of Biomechanics and Bioengineering and Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China. Tel: +86-10-82544131; Fax: +86-10-82544131; E-mail:
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13
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Esch MB, Prot JM, Wang YI, Miller P, Llamas-Vidales JR, Naughton BA, Applegate DR, Shuler ML. Multi-cellular 3D human primary liver cell culture elevates metabolic activity under fluidic flow. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:2269-77. [PMID: 25857666 PMCID: PMC4422761 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00237k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We have developed a low-cost liver cell culture device that creates fluidic flow over a 3D primary liver cell culture that consists of multiple liver cell types, including hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells (fibroblasts, stellate cells, and Kupffer cells). We tested the performance of the cell culture under fluidic flow for 14 days, finding that hepatocytes produced albumin and urea at elevated levels compared to static cultures. Hepatocytes also responded with induction of P450 (CYP1A1 and CYP3A4) enzyme activity when challenged with P450 inducers, although we did not find significant differences between static and fluidic cultures. Non-parenchymal cells were similarly responsive, producing interleukin 8 (IL-8) when challenged with 10 μM bacterial lipoprotein (LPS). To create the fluidic flow in an inexpensive manner, we used a rocking platform that tilts the cell culture devices at angles between ±12°, resulting in a periodically changing hydrostatic pressure drop between reservoirs and the accompanying periodically changing fluidic flow (average flow rate of 650 μL min(-1), and a maximum shear stress of 0.64 dyne cm(-2)). The increase in metabolic activity is consistent with the hypothesis that, similar to unidirectional fluidic flow, primary liver cell cultures increase their metabolic activity in response to fluidic flow periodically changes direction. Since fluidic flow that changes direction periodically drastically changes the behavior of other cells types that are shear sensitive, our findings support the theory that the increase in hepatic metabolic activity associated with fluidic flow is either activated by mechanisms other than shear sensing (for example increased opportunities for gas and metabolite exchange), or that it follows a shear sensing mechanism that does not depend on the direction of shear. Our mode of device operation allows us to evaluate drugs under fluidic cell culture conditions and at low device manufacturing and operation costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy B Esch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, 305 Weill Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 853, USA.
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Gao Y, Liang J, Luo Y, Gong Y. Structural optimization design of perfusion bioreactors with multilayer circular parallel plates scaffold. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2015.1021279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
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15
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Usta OB, McCarty WJ, Bale S, Hegde M, Jindal R, Bhushan A, Golberg I, Yarmush ML. Microengineered cell and tissue systems for drug screening and toxicology applications: Evolution of in-vitro liver technologies. TECHNOLOGY 2015; 3:1-26. [PMID: 26167518 PMCID: PMC4494128 DOI: 10.1142/s2339547815300012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
The liver performs many key functions, the most prominent of which is serving as the metabolic hub of the body. For this reason, the liver is the focal point of many investigations aimed at understanding an organism's toxicological response to endogenous and exogenous challenges. Because so many drug failures have involved direct liver toxicity or other organ toxicity from liver generated metabolites, the pharmaceutical industry has constantly sought superior, predictive in-vitro models that can more quickly and efficiently identify problematic drug candidates before they incur major development costs, and certainly before they are released to the public. In this broad review, we present a survey and critical comparison of in-vitro liver technologies along a broad spectrum, but focus on the current renewed push to develop "organs-on-a-chip". One prominent set of conclusions from this review is that while a large body of recent work has steered the field towards an ever more comprehensive understanding of what is needed, the field remains in great need of several key advances, including establishment of standard characterization methods, enhanced technologies that mimic the in-vivo cellular environment, and better computational approaches to bridge the gap between the in-vitro and in-vivo results.
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Affiliation(s)
- O B Usta
- Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - W J McCarty
- Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - S Bale
- Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - M Hegde
- Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - R Jindal
- Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - A Bhushan
- Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - I Golberg
- Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - M L Yarmush
- Center for Engineering in Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School and Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114, USA ; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, 599 Taylor Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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16
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Chung HH, Chan CK, Khire TS, Marsh GA, Clark A, Waugh RE, McGrath JL. Highly permeable silicon membranes for shear free chemotaxis and rapid cell labeling. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:2456-68. [PMID: 24850320 PMCID: PMC4540053 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc00326h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidic systems are powerful tools for cell biology studies because they enable the precise addition and removal of solutes in small volumes. However, the fluid forces inherent in the use of microfluidics for cell cultures are sometimes undesirable. An important example is chemotaxis systems where fluid flow creates well-defined and steady chemotactic gradients but also pushes cells downstream. Here we demonstrate a chemotaxis system in which two chambers are separated by a molecularly thin (15 nm), transparent, and nanoporous silicon membrane. One chamber is a microfluidic channel that carries a flow-generated gradient while the other chamber is a shear-free environment for cell observation. The molecularly thin membranes provide effectively no resistance to molecular diffusion between the two chambers, making them ideal elements for creating flow-free chambers in microfluidic systems. Analytical and computational flow models that account for membrane and chamber geometry, predict shear reduction of more than five orders of magnitude. This prediction is confirmed by observing the pure diffusion of nanoparticles in the cell-hosting chamber despite high input flow (Q = 10 μL min(-1); vavg ~ 45 mm min(-1)) in the flow chamber only 15 nm away. Using total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, we show that a flow-generated molecular gradient will pass through the membrane into the quiescent cell chamber. Finally we demonstrate that our device allows us to expose migrating neutrophils to a chemotactic gradient or fluorescent label without any influence from flow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Chung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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17
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Hegde M, Jindal R, Bhushan A, Bale SS, McCarty WJ, Golberg I, Usta OB, Yarmush ML. Dynamic interplay of flow and collagen stabilizes primary hepatocytes culture in a microfluidic platform. LAB ON A CHIP 2014; 14:2033-9. [PMID: 24770663 PMCID: PMC4036071 DOI: 10.1039/c4lc00071d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The creation of stable flow cultures of hepatocytes is highly desirable for the development of platforms for drug toxicity screening, bio-artificial liver support devices, and models for investigating liver physiology and pathophysiology. Given that hepatocytes cultured using the collagen overlay or in 'sandwich' configuration maintain a wide range of differentiated functions, we describe a simple method for adapting this culture configuration within a microfluidic device. The device design consists of a porous membrane sandwiched between two layers of PDMS resulting in a two-chambered device. In the bottom chamber, hepatocytes are cultured in the collagen sandwich configuration, while the top chamber is accessible for flow. We demonstrate that hepatocytes cultured under flow exhibit higher albumin and urea secretions and induce cytochrome P450 1A1 activity in comparison to static cultures. Furthermore, over two weeks, hepatocytes cultured under flow show a well-connected cellular network with bile canaliculi formation, whereas static cultures show formation of gaps in the cellular network that progressively increase over time. Although enhanced functional response of hepatocytes cultured under flow has been observed in multiple prior studies, the exact mechanism for this flow induced effect remains unknown. In our work, we identified that hepatocytes secrete a higher level of collagen in the flow cultures; inhibiting collagen secretion within the flow cultures reduced albumin secretion and restored the appearance of gaps in the cellular network similar to the static cultures. These results demonstrate the importance of the increased collagen secretion by hepatocytes cultured under flow as a mechanism to maintain a well-connected cellular network and a differentiated function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rohit Jindal
- corresponding authors: Dr. Rohit Jindal, Center for Engineering in Medicine (CEM), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, . Dr. Martin L. Yarmush, Center for Engineering in Medicine (CEM), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114,
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin L. Yarmush
- corresponding authors: Dr. Rohit Jindal, Center for Engineering in Medicine (CEM), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, . Dr. Martin L. Yarmush, Center for Engineering in Medicine (CEM), Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114,
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18
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Ebrahimkhani MR, Neiman JAS, Raredon MSB, Hughes DJ, Griffith LG. Bioreactor technologies to support liver function in vitro. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 69-70:132-57. [PMID: 24607703 PMCID: PMC4144187 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver is a central nexus integrating metabolic and immunologic homeostasis in the human body, and the direct or indirect target of most molecular therapeutics. A wide spectrum of therapeutic and technological needs drives efforts to capture liver physiology and pathophysiology in vitro, ranging from prediction of metabolism and toxicity of small molecule drugs, to understanding off-target effects of proteins, nucleic acid therapies, and targeted therapeutics, to serving as disease models for drug development. Here we provide perspective on the evolving landscape of bioreactor-based models to meet old and new challenges in drug discovery and development, emphasizing design challenges in maintaining long-term liver-specific function and how emerging technologies in biomaterials and microdevices are providing new experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad R Ebrahimkhani
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jaclyn A Shepard Neiman
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Micha Sam B Raredon
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Linda G Griffith
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Center for Gynepathology Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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19
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Affiliation(s)
- Doo-Hoon Lee
- Biomedical Research Institute, Lifeliver Co. Ltd., Yongin, Korea
| | - Kwang-Woong Lee
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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20
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Abstract
Although islet transplantation has demonstrated its potential use in treating type 1 diabetes, this remains limited by the need for daily immunosuppression. Islet encapsulation was then proposed with a view to avoiding any immunosuppressive regimen and related side effects. In order to obtain a standard clinical procedure in terms of safety and reproducibility, two important factors have to be taken into account: the encapsulation design (which determines the graft volume) and the implantation site. Indeed, the implantation site should meet certain requirements: (1) its space must be large enough for the volume of transplanted tissues; (2) there must be proximity to abundant vascularization with a good oxygen supply; (3) there must be real-time access to physiologically representative blood glucose levels; (4) there must be easy access for implantation and the reversibility of the procedure (for safety); and finally, (5) the site should have minimal early inflammatory reaction and promote long-term survival. The aim of this article is to review possible preclinical/clinical implantation sites (in comparison with free islets) for encapsulated islet transplantation as a function of the encapsulation design: macro/microcapsules and conformal coating.
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21
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Ginai M, Elsby R, Hewitt CJ, Surry D, Fenner K, Coopman K. The use of bioreactors as in vitro models in pharmaceutical research. Drug Discov Today 2013; 18:922-35. [PMID: 23748137 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Bringing a new drug to market is costly in terms of capital and time investments, and any development issues encountered during late-stage clinical trials can often be the result of in vitro-in vivo extrapolations (IVIVE) not accurately reflecting clinical outcome. In the discipline of drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), current in vitro cellular methods do not provide the 3D structure and function of organs found in vivo; therefore, new dynamic methods need to be established to aid improvement of IVIVE. In this review, we highlight the importance of model progression into dynamic systems for use within drug development, focusing on devices developed currently in the areas of the liver and blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the potential to develop models for other organ systems, such as the kidney. We discuss the development of dynamic 3D bioreactor-based systems as in vitro models for use in DMPK studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaria Ginai
- Centre for Biological Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
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22
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Acikgöz A, Giri S, Cho MG, Bader A. Morphological and Functional Analysis of Hepatocyte Spheroids Generated on Poly-HEMA-Treated Surfaces under the Influence of Fetal Calf Serum and Nonparenchymal Cells. Biomolecules 2013; 3:242-69. [PMID: 24970167 PMCID: PMC4030890 DOI: 10.3390/biom3010242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (HEMA) has been used as a clinical material, in the form of a soft hydrogel, for various surgical procedures, including endovascular surgery of liver. It is a clear liquid compound and, as a soft, flexible, water-absorbing material, has been used to make soft contact lenses from small, concave, spinning molds. Primary rat hepatocyte spheroids were created on a poly-HEMA-coated surface with the intention of inducing hepatic tissue formation and improving liver functions. We investigated spheroid formation of primary adult rat hepatocyte cells and characterized hepatic-specific functions under the special influence of fetal calf serum (FCS) and nonparencymal cells (NPC) up to six days in different culture systems (e.g., hepatocytes + FCS, hepatocytes – FCS, NPC + FCS, NPC – FCS, co-culture + FCS, co-culture – FCS) in both the spheroid model and sandwich model. Immunohistologically, we detected gap junctions, Ito cell/Kupffer cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells and an extracellular matrix in the spheroid model. FCS has no positive effect in the sandwich model, but has a negative effect in the spheroid model on albumin production, and no influence in urea production in either model. We found more cell viability in smaller diameter spheroids than larger ones by using the apoptosis test. Furthermore, there is no positive influence of the serum or NPC on spheroid formation, suggesting that it may only depend on the physical condition of the culture system. Since the sandwich culture has been considered a “gold standard” in vitro culture model, the hepatocyte spheroids generated on the poly-HEMA-coated surface were compared with those in the sandwich model. Major liver-specific functions, such as albumin secretion and urea synthesis, were evaluated in both the spheroid and sandwich model. The synthesis performance in the spheroid compared to the sandwich culture increases approximately by a factor of 1.5. Disintegration of plasma membranes in both models was measured by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in both models. Additionally, diazepam was used as a substrate in drug metabolism studies to characterize the differences in the biotransformation potential with metabolite profiles in both models. It showed that the diazepam metabolism activities in the spheroid model is about 10-fold lower than the sandwich model. The poly-HEMA-based hepatocyte spheroid is a promising new platform towards hepatic tissue engineering leading to in vitro hepatic tissue formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Acikgöz
- Department of Cell Techniques and Applied Stem Cell Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), University of Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Shibashish Giri
- Department of Cell Techniques and Applied Stem Cell Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), University of Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Man-Gi Cho
- Department of Bio-Chemical Engineering, Graduate School, Dongseo University, Busan 617-716, Republic of Korea.
| | - Augustinus Bader
- Department of Cell Techniques and Applied Stem Cell Biology, Center for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ), University of Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
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23
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Williams DP, Shipley R, Ellis MJ, Webb S, Ward J, Gardner I, Creton S. Novel in vitro and mathematical models for the prediction of chemical toxicity. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2013; 2:40-59. [PMID: 26966512 PMCID: PMC4765367 DOI: 10.1039/c2tx20031g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The focus of much scientific and medical research is directed towards understanding the disease process and defining therapeutic intervention strategies. The scientific basis of drug safety is very complex and currently remains poorly understood, despite the fact that adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major health concern and a serious impediment to development of new medicines. Toxicity issues account for ∼21% drug attrition during drug development and safety testing strategies require considerable animal use. Mechanistic relationships between drug plasma levels and molecular/cellular events that culminate in whole organ toxicity underpins development of novel safety assessment strategies. Current in vitro test systems are poorly predictive of toxicity of chemicals entering the systemic circulation, particularly to the liver. Such systems fall short because of (1) the physiological gap between cells currently used and human hepatocytes existing in their native state, (2) the lack of physiological integration with other cells/systems within organs, required to amplify the initial toxicological lesion into overt toxicity, (3) the inability to assess how low level cell damage induced by chemicals may develop into overt organ toxicity in a minority of patients, (4) lack of consideration of systemic effects. Reproduction of centrilobular and periportal hepatocyte phenotypes in in vitro culture is crucial for sensitive detection of cellular stress. Hepatocyte metabolism/phenotype is dependent on cell position along the liver lobule, with corresponding differences in exposure to substrate, oxygen and hormone gradients. Application of bioartificial liver (BAL) technology can encompass in vitro predictive toxicity testing with enhanced sensitivity and improved mechanistic understanding. Combining this technology with mechanistic mathematical models describing intracellular metabolism, fluid-flow, substrate, hormone and nutrient distribution provides the opportunity to design the BAL specifically to mimic the in vivo scenario. Such mathematical models enable theoretical hypothesis testing, will inform the design of in vitro experiments, and will enable both refinement and reduction of in vivo animal trials. In this way, development of novel mathematical modelling tools will help to focus and direct in vitro and in vivo research, and can be used as a framework for other areas of drug safety science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic P Williams
- MRC Centre for Drug Safety Science , Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology , Institute of Translational Medicine , The University of Liverpool , Sherrington Building , Ashton St. , Liverpool , L69 3GE , UK . ; ; Tel: +44 (0)151 794 5791
| | - Rebecca Shipley
- Department of Mechanical Engineering , University College London , Torrington Place , London WC1E 7JE , UK
| | - Marianne J Ellis
- Department of Chemical Engineering , University of Bath , Claverton Down , Bath , BA2 7AY , UK
| | - Steve Webb
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics , University of Strathclyde , Livingstone Tower , 26 Richmond Street , Glasgow , G1 1XH , UK
| | - John Ward
- School of Mathematical Sciences , Loughborough University , Loughborough , LE11 3TU , UK
| | - Iain Gardner
- Simcyp Limited , Blades Enterprise Centre , John Street , Sheffield S2 4SU , UK
| | - Stuart Creton
- NC3Rs Gibbs Building , 215 Euston Road , London , NW1 2BE , UK
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24
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Nelson LJ, Treskes P, Howie AF, Walker SW, Hayes PC, Plevris JN. Profiling the impact of medium formulation on morphology and functionality of primary hepatocytes in vitro. Sci Rep 2013; 3:2735. [PMID: 24061220 PMCID: PMC3781401 DOI: 10.1038/srep02735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The characterization of fully-defined in vitro hepatic culture systems requires testing of functional and morphological variables to obtain the optimal trophic support, particularly for cell therapeutics including bioartificial liver systems (BALs). Using serum-free fully-defined culture medium formulations, we measured synthetic, detoxification and metabolic variables of primary porcine hepatocytes (PPHs)--integrated these datasets using a defined scoring system and correlated this hepatocyte biological activity index (HBAI) with morphological parameters. Hepatic-specific functions exceeded those of both primary human hepatocytes (PHHs) and HepaRG cells, whilst retaining biotransformation potential and in vivo-like ultrastructural morphology, suggesting PPHs as a potential surrogate for PHHs in various biotech applications. The HBAI permits assessment of global functional capacity allowing the rational choice of optimal trophic support for a defined operational task (including BALs, hepatocellular transplantation, and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) drug metabolism studies), mitigates risk associated with sub-optimal culture systems, and reduces time and cost of research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard J. Nelson
- Hepatology Laboratory, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland, UK
| | - Philipp Treskes
- Hepatology Laboratory, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland, UK
| | - A. Forbes Howie
- Dept of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland, UK
| | - Simon W. Walker
- Dept of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland, UK
| | - Peter C. Hayes
- Hepatology Laboratory, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland, UK
| | - John N. Plevris
- Hepatology Laboratory, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor's Building, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, EH16 4SB, Scotland, UK
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25
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Polymeric Membranes for the Biofabrication of Tissues and Organs. Biofabrication 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-2852-7.00005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
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26
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Hepatocyte function within a stacked double sandwich culture plate cylindrical bioreactor for bioartificial liver system. Biomaterials 2012; 33:7925-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.06.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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27
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Jeffries RE, Gamcsik MP, Keshari KR, Pediaditakis P, Tikunov AP, Young GB, Lee H, Watkins PB, Macdonald JM. Effect of oxygen concentration on viability and metabolism in a fluidized-bed bioartificial liver using ³¹P and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2012; 19:93-100. [PMID: 22835003 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2011.0629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Many oxygen mass-transfer modeling studies have been performed for various bioartificial liver (BAL) encapsulation types; yet, to our knowledge, there is no experimental study that directly and noninvasively measures viability and metabolism as a function of time and oxygen concentration. We report the effect of oxygen concentration on viability and metabolism in a fluidized-bed NMR-compatible BAL using in vivo ³¹P and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, respectively, by monitoring nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) and ¹³C-labeled nutrient metabolites, respectively. Fluidized-bed bioreactors eliminate the potential channeling that occurs with packed-bed bioreactors and serve as an ideal experimental model for homogeneous oxygen distribution. Hepatocytes were electrostatically encapsulated in alginate (avg. diameter, 500 μm; 3.5×10⁷ cells/mL) and perfused at 3 mL/min in a 9-cm (inner diameter) cylindrical glass NMR tube. Four oxygen treatments were tested and validated by an in-line oxygen electrode: (1) 95:5 oxygen:carbon dioxide (carbogen), (2) 75:20:5 nitrogen:oxygen:carbon dioxide, (3) 60:35:5 nitrogen:oxygen:carbon dioxide, and (4) 45:50:5 nitrogen:oxygen:carbon dioxide. With 20% oxygen, β-NTP steadily decreased until it was no longer detected at 11 h. The 35%, 50%, and 95% oxygen treatments resulted in steady β-NTP levels throughout the 28-h experimental period. For the 50% and 95% oxygen treatment, a ¹³C NMR time course (∼5 h) revealed 2-¹³C-glycine and 2-¹³C-glucose to be incorporated into [2-¹³C-glycyl]glutathione (GSH) and 2-¹³C-lactate, respectively, with 95% having a lower rate of lactate formation. ³¹P and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy is a noninvasive method for determining viability and metabolic rates. Modifying tissue-engineered devices to be NMR compatible is a relatively easy and inexpensive process depending on the bioreactor shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex E Jeffries
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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28
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Jeffries RE, Macdonald JM. New advances in MR-compatible bioartificial liver. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2012; 25:427-42. [PMID: 22351642 PMCID: PMC4332620 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.1633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
MR-compatible bioartificial liver (BAL) studies have been performed for 30 years and are reviewed. There are two types of study: (i) metabolism and drug studies using multinuclear MRS; primarily short-term (< 8 h) studies; (ii) the use of multinuclear MRS and MRI to noninvasively define the features and functions of BAL systems for long-term liver tissue engineering. In the latter, these systems often undergo not only modification of the perfusion system, but also the construction of MR radiofrequency probes around the bioreactor. We present novel MR-compatible BALs and the use of multinuclear MRS ((13)C, (19)F, (31)P) for the noninvasive monitoring of their growth, metabolism and viability, as well as (1)H MRI methods for the determination of flow profiles, diffusion, cell distribution, quality assurance and bioreactor integrity. Finally, a simple flexible coil design and circuit, and life support system, are described that can make almost any BAL MR-compatible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex E Jeffries
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7575, USA
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29
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Goral VN, Yuen PK. Microfluidic platforms for hepatocyte cell culture: new technologies and applications. Ann Biomed Eng 2011; 40:1244-54. [PMID: 22042626 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-011-0453-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we summarize the key elements of microfluidic platforms for mimicking in vivo hepatocyte cell culture and the major recent advances in this area. Specifically, we will give brief background and rationale for key design requirements for mimicking in vivo hepatocyte cell culture, and then summarize findings, applications, and limitations from microfluidic platforms that addressed these design requirements. Although no ideal microfluidic platform has so far been developed for fully mimicking in vivo hepatocyte cell culture, some approaches and designs have demonstrated great potential in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliy N Goral
- Science and Technology, Corning Incorporated, Corning, NY 14831-0001, USA
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30
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Azadbakht M, Madaeni SS, Sahebjamee F. Biocompatibility of polyethersulfone membranes for cell culture systems. Eng Life Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/elsc.201000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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31
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Zhang SC, Liu T, Wang YJ. Porous and single-skinned polyethersulfone membranes support the growth of HepG2 cells: A potential biomaterial for bioartificial liver systems. J Biomater Appl 2011; 27:359-66. [PMID: 21750186 DOI: 10.1177/0885328211406299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated a porous and single-layer skin polyethersulfone (PES) membrane as a material for use in hybrid bioartificial liver support systems. The PES membrane has been characterized as a single-layer skin structure, with a rough porous surface. Specifically, we studied the ability of the human hepatoblastoma cell lines (HepG2) to adhere, grow, and spread on the PES membrane. Furthermore, we examined albumin secretion, low-density lipoprotein uptake, and CYP450 activity of HepG2 cells that grew on the membrane. HepG2 cells readily adhered onto the outer surfaces of PES membranes. Over time, HepG2 cells proliferated actively, and confluent monolayer of cells covered the available surface area of the membrane, eventually forming cell clusters and three-dimensional aggregates. Furthermore, HepG2 cells grown on PES membranes maintained highly specific functions, including uptake capability, biosynthesis and biotransformation. These results indicate that PES membranes are potential substrates for the growth of human liver cells and may be useful in the construction of hollow fiber bioreactors. Porous and single-layer skin PES membranes and HepG2 cells may be potential biomaterials for the development of biohybrid liver devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Chang Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ying-Jie Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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Nussler AK, Zeilinger K, Schyschka L, Ehnert S, Gerlach JC, Yan X, Lee SML, Ilowski M, Thasler WE, Weiss TS. Cell therapeutic options in liver diseases: cell types, medical devices and regulatory issues. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2011; 22:1087-1099. [PMID: 21461918 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-011-4306-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Although significant progress has been made in the field of orthotopic liver transplantation, cell-based therapies seem to be a promising alternative to whole-organ transplantation. The reasons are manifold but organ shortage is the main cause for this approach. However, many problems such as the question which cell type should be used or which application site is best for transplantation have been raised. In addition, some clinicians have had success by cultivating liver cells in bioreactors for temporary life support. Besides answering the question which cell type, which injection site or even which culture form should be used for liver support recent international harmonization of legal requirements is needed to be addressed by clinicians, scientists and companies dealing with cellular therapies. We here briefly summarize the possible cell types used to partially or temporarily correct liver diseases, the most recent development of bioreactor technology and important regulatory issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas K Nussler
- Department of Traumatology, MRI, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaningerstr. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Maringka M, Giri S, Nieber K, Acikgöz A, Bader A. Biotransformation of diazepam in a clinically relevant flat membrane bioreactor model using primary porcine hepatocytes. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2011; 25:343-53. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-8206.2010.00857.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Current development of bioreactors for extracorporeal bioartificial liver (Review). Biointerphases 2011; 5:FA116-31. [PMID: 21171705 DOI: 10.1116/1.3521520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The research and development of extracorporeal bioartificial liver is gaining pace in recent years with the introduction of a myriad of optimally designed bioreactors with the ability to maintain long-term viability and liver-specific functions of hepatocytes. The design considerations for bioartificial liver are not trivial; it needs to consider factors such as the types of cell to be cultured in the bioreactor, the bioreactor configuration, the magnitude of fluid-induced shear stress, nutrients' supply, and wastes' removal, and other relevant issues before the bioreactor is ready for testing. This review discusses the exciting development of bioartificial liver devices, particularly the various types of cell used in current reactor designs, the state-of-the-art culturing and cryopreservation techniques, and the comparison among many today's bioreactor configurations. This review will also discuss in depth the importance of maintaining optimal mass transfer of nutrients and oxygen partial pressure in the bioreactor system. Finally, this review will discuss the commercially available bioreactors that are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical trials.
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Leite SB, Teixeira AP, Miranda JP, Tostões RM, Clemente JJ, Sousa MF, Carrondo MJT, Alves PM. Merging bioreactor technology with 3D hepatocyte-fibroblast culturing approaches: Improved in vitro models for toxicological applications. Toxicol In Vitro 2011; 25:825-32. [PMID: 21315144 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Revised: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 02/03/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
During the last years an increasing number of in vitro models have been developed for drug screening and toxicity testing. Primary cultures of hepatocytes are, by far, the model of choice for those high-throughput studies but their spontaneous dedifferentiation after some time in culture hinders long-term studies. Thus, novel cell culture systems allowing extended hepatocyte maintenance and more predictive long term in vitro studies are required. It has been shown that hepatocytes functionality can be improved and extended in time when cultured as 3D-cell aggregates in environmental controlled stirred bioreactors. In this work, aiming at further improving hepatocytes functionality in such 3D cellular structures, co-cultures with fibroblasts were performed. An inoculum concentration of 1.2×10(5) cell/mL and a 1:2 hepatocyte:mouse embryonic fibroblast ratio allowed to improve significantly the albumin secretion rate and both ECOD (phase I) and UGT (phase II) enzymatic activities in 3D co-cultures, as compared to the routinely used 2D hepatocyte monocultures. Significant improvements were also observed in relation to 3D monocultures of hepatocytes. Furthermore, hepatocytes were able to respond to the addition of beta-Naphtoflavone by increasing ECOD activity showing CYP1A inducibility. The dependence of CYP activity on oxygen concentration was also observed. In summary, the improved hepatocyte specific functions during long term incubation of 3D co-cultures of hepatocytes with fibroblasts indicate that this system is a promising in vitro model for long term toxicological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia B Leite
- Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal
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Goral VN, Hsieh YC, Petzold ON, Clark JS, Yuen PK, Faris RA. Perfusion-based microfluidic device for three-dimensional dynamic primary human hepatocyte cell culture in the absence of biological or synthetic matrices or coagulants. LAB ON A CHIP 2010; 10:3380-6. [PMID: 21060907 DOI: 10.1039/c0lc00135j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
We describe a perfusion-based microfluidic device for three-dimensional (3D) dynamic primary human hepatocyte cell culture. The microfluidic device was used to promote and maintain 3D tissue-like cellular morphology and cell-specific functionality of primary human hepatocytes by restoring membrane polarity and hepatocyte transport function in vitro without the addition of biological or synthetic matrices or coagulants. A unique feature of our dynamic cell culture device is the creation of a microenvironment, without the addition of biological or synthetic matrices or coagulants, that promotes the 3D organization of hepatocytes into cord-like structures that exhibit functional membrane polarity as evidenced by the expression of gap junctions and the formation of an extended, functionally active, bile canalicular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliy N Goral
- Science & Technology, Corning Incorporated, Corning, New York 14831-0001, USA
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37
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Bioartificial liver devices: Perspectives on the state of the art. Front Med 2010; 5:15-9. [PMID: 21088931 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-010-0110-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute liver failure remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Bioartificial liver (BAL) devices have been in development for more than 20 years. Such devices aim to temporarily take over the metabolic and excretory functions of the liver until the patients' own liver has recovered or a donor liver becomes available for transplant. The important issues include the choice of cell materials and the design of the bioreactor. Ideal BAL cell materials should be of good viability and functionality, easy to access, and exclude immunoreactive and tumorigenic cell materials. Unfortunately, the current cells in use in BAL do not meet these requirements. One of the challenges in BAL development is the improvement of current materials; another key point concerning cell materials is the coculture of different cells. The bioreactor is an important component of BAL, because it determines the viability and function of the hepatocytes within it. From the perspective of bioengineering, a successful and clinically effective bioreactor should mimic the structure of the liver and provide an in vivo-like microenvironment for the growth of hepatocytes, thereby maintaining the cells' viability and function to the maximum extent. One future trend in the development of the bioreactor is to improve the oxygen supply system. Another direction for future research on bioreactors is the application of biomedical materials. In conclusion, BAL is, in principle, an important therapeutic strategy for patients with acute liver failure, and may also be a bridge to liver transplantation. It requires further research and development, however, before it can enter clinical practice.
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Doran MR, Markway BD, Clark A, Athanasas-Platsis S, Brooke G, Atkinson K, Nielsen LK, Cooper-White JJ. Membrane bioreactors enhance microenvironmental conditioning and tissue development. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2010; 16:407-15. [PMID: 19622005 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2009.0367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In membrane bioreactors the cells are isolated from the bulk medium through a semipermeable membrane. This concept, which is analogous to how the circulatory system supplies solid tissues with nutrients, allows the maintenance of cells at much higher densities than is possible in traditional cultures. The membrane-based microbioreactor described herein is easy to operate, requiring only a pipette to load and harvest cells. A 10 microL culture volume was isolated from 1 mL of bulk medium through a semipermeable membrane having a molecular weight cutoff of 10 kDa. Here we describe the benefits regarding the retention of both cells and their secretions within this small culture volume using the following two model systems: hematopoietic stem cell expansion and mesenchymal stem cell-derived cartilage matrix accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Doran
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia .
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Mazzei D, Guzzardi MA, Giusti S, Ahluwalia A. A low shear stress modular bioreactor for connected cell culture under high flow rates. Biotechnol Bioeng 2010; 106:127-37. [PMID: 20091740 DOI: 10.1002/bit.22671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
A generic "system on a plate" modular multicompartmental bioreactor array which enables microwell protocols to be transferred directly to the bioreactor modules, without redesign of cell culture experiments or protocols is described. The modular bioreactors are simple to assemble and use and can be easily compared with standard controls since cell numbers and medium volumes are quite similar. Starting from fluid dynamic and mass transport considerations, a modular bioreactor chamber was first modeled and then fabricated using "milli-molding," a technique adapted from soft lithography. After confirming that the shear stress was extremely low in the system in the range of useful flow rates, the bioreactor chambers were tested using hepatocytes. The results show that the bioreactor chambers can increase or maintain cell viability and function when the flow rates are below 500 microL/min, corresponding to wall shear stresses of 10(-5) Pa or less at the cell culture surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mazzei
- Faculty of Engineering, Interdepartmental Research Center E. Piaggio, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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40
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Cryopreservation of primary porcine liver cells in an organotypical sandwich model in a clinically relevant flat membrane bioreactor. Biotechnol Lett 2010; 32:765-71. [PMID: 20213529 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-010-0228-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2009] [Revised: 02/04/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
To overcome the logistical difficulties of continuously supplying freshly-isolated, primary porcine liver cells to bioartificial liver support bioreactors, we developed a cryopreservation method using an organotypical sandwich model in a flat membrane bioreactor (FMB). We measured albumin secretion rate, urea synthesis rate and 7-ethoxy coumarin (ECOD) in long-term cultures of cryopreserved cells (up to 14 days). The albumin secretion rate was 62% that of non-cryopreserved cells at days 11 and 14. The ECOD activity was 54% that of fresh, control cells initially and increased up to 79% by the 14th day. The urea synthesis rate was stable at 60% that of the control. This study showed that cryopreserved cells can recover liver-specific functions. This result has the potential to dramatically expand the clinical application of bioartificial liver supports.
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41
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Morelli S, Salerno S, Piscioneri A, Campana C, Drioli E, Bartolo LD. Membrane bioreactors for regenerative medicine: an example of the bioartificial liver. ASIA-PAC J CHEM ENG 2010. [DOI: 10.1002/apj.366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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42
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Niu M, Hammond P, Coger RN. The effectiveness of a novel cartridge-based bioreactor design in supporting liver cells. Tissue Eng Part A 2009; 15:2903-16. [PMID: 19271993 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2008.0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a number of applications--ranging from temporary strategies for organ failure to pharmaceutical testing--that rely on effective bioreactor designs. The significance of these devices is that they provide an environment for maintaining cells in a way that allows them to perform key cellular and tissue functions. In the current study, a novel cartridge-based bioreactor was developed and evaluated. Its unique features include its capacity for cell support and the adaptable design of its cellular space. Specifically, it is able to accommodate functional and reasonably sized tissue (>2.0 x 10(8) cells), and can be easily modified to support a range of anchorage-dependent cells. To evaluate its efficacy, it was applied to liver support in the current study. This involved evaluating the performance of rat primary hepatocytes within the unique cartridges in culture--sans bioreactor--and after being loaded within the novel bioreactor. Compared to collagen sandwich culture functional controls, hepatocytes within the unique cartridge design demonstrated significantly higher albumin production and urea secretion rates when cultured under dynamic flow conditions--reaching peak values of 170 +/- 22 microg/10(6) cells/day and 195 +/- 18 microg/10(6) cells/day, respectively. The bioreactor's effectiveness in supporting live and functioning primary hepatocytes is also presented. Cell viability at the end of 15 days of culture in the new bioreactor was 84 +/- 18%, suggesting that the new design is effective in maintaining primary hepatocytes for at least 2 weeks in culture. Liver-specific functions of urea secretion, albumin synthesis, and cytochrome P450 activity were also assessed. The results indicate that hepatocytes are able to achieve good functional performance when cultured within the novel bioreactor. This is especially true in the case of cytochrome P450 activity, where by day 15 of culture, hepatocytes within the bioreactor reached values that were 56.6% higher than achieved by the collagen sandwich functional control cultures. The success of the novel cartridge-based bioreactor in supporting hepatocytes with good viability and functional performance suggests that it is an effective design for supporting anchorage-dependent cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Niu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, Center for Biomedical Engineering Systems, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223-0001, USA
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43
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Telomerase activity and hepatic functions of rat embryonic liver progenitor cell in nanoscaffold-coated model bioreactor. Mol Cell Biochem 2009; 336:137-49. [DOI: 10.1007/s11010-009-0266-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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44
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Miranda JP, Leite SB, Muller-Vieira U, Rodrigues A, Carrondo MJT, Alves PM. Towards an extended functional hepatocyte in vitro culture. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2009; 15:157-67. [PMID: 19072051 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2008.0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cultures of human hepatocytes are a reference cellular model, because they maintain key features of liver cells in vivo, such as expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes, response to enzyme inducers, and generation of hepatic metabolites. However, there is a restricted availability of primary hepatocytes, and they show phenotypic instability in culture. Thus, different alternatives have been developed to overcome the culture limitations and to mimic in vivo tissue material. Herein, culture conditions, such as medium composition, impeller type, and cell inoculum concentration, were optimized in stirred culture vessels and applied to a three-dimensional (3D) bioreactor system. Cultures of rat hepatocytes as 3D structures on bioreactor, better resembling in vivo cellular organization, were compared to traditional monolayer cultures. Liver-specific functions, such as albumin and urea secretion, phase I and phase II enzyme activities, and the capacity to metabolize diphenhydramine and troglitazone, were measured over time. Hepatocyte functions were preserved for longer time in the 3D bioreactor than in the monolayer system. Moreover, rat hepatocytes grown in 3D system maintained the ability to metabolize such compounds, as well as in vivo. Our results indicate that hepatocytes cultured as 3D structures are a qualified model system to study hepatocyte drug metabolism over a long period of time. Moreover, these cultures can be used as feeding systems to obtain cells for other tests in a short time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana P Miranda
- Animal Cell Technology Laboratory, IBET/ITQB-UNL, Apartado 12, Oeiras, Portugal
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45
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Preclinical characterization of primary porcine hepatocytes in a clinically relevant flat membrane bioreactor. Biomaterials 2009; 31:156-72. [PMID: 19818493 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Accepted: 09/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Using primary porcine hepatocytes, artificial extracorporeal liver support (AEL) is a therapy that carries out the liver functions of liver failure patients until their own organs have been regenerated or until whole organ transplantation. Significant variation exists with regard to current bioreactor designs for AEL, and they may not reflect the in vivo architecture of the liver since each individual hepatocyte has its own direct contact with blood plasma for oxygen and nutrient supply and detoxification. The present study, based on our flat membrane bioreactor (FMB), aimed at in vivo liver architecture and to meet authentic clinical levels of human plasma exposure. Since many existing preclinical AELs are based on commercial culture medium with or without nonhuman serum, they may not authentically reflect the clinical situation in human patients, and little research has been done on human plasma exposure in in vitro culture-based bioreactors. To address this situation, herein we examined liver-specific functions such as albumin secretion, urea synthesis, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), cell membrane stability by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test and ammonia clearance by using human plasma and serum-free medium in long-term culture of primary porcine hepatocytes to show the potential of our clinically relevant FMB. We observed that the organotypical double-gel (DG) culture is superior to conventional collagen-coated single-gel (SG) cultures. The performance of liver-specific functions by the FMB has long-term stability with intact cell morphology for up to 20 days under both plasma exposure and serum-free media. Our three focus points (long-term culture that correlates with the generation time of spontaneous regeneration, high-density culture, organotypical culture model using human plasma) may provide valuable clinical clues for AEL.
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46
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Improved functions of human hepatocytes on NH3 plasma-grafted PEEK-WC–PU membranes. Biomaterials 2009; 30:4348-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Accepted: 04/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Xia L, Ng S, Han R, Tuo X, Xiao G, Leo HL, Cheng T, Yu H. Laminar-flow immediate-overlay hepatocyte sandwich perfusion system for drug hepatotoxicity testing. Biomaterials 2009; 30:5927-36. [PMID: 19646750 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2009] [Accepted: 07/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Drug hepatotoxicity testing requires in vitro hepatocyte culture to maintain the long-term and stable liver specific functions. We developed a drug testing platform based on laminar-flow immediate-overlay hepatocyte sandwich perfusion culture. The immediate-overlay sandwich (collagen-coated porous polymeric membrane as top overlay) protects the cells and integrity of the top collagen matrix from the impact of flow. A bioreactor was designed that allowed proper control of shear stress and mass transfer. The culture parameters such as the optimal perfusion initiation time and flow rate were systematically and mechanistically determined. The optimized system could re-establish hepatocyte polarity to support biliary excretion and to maintain other liver specific functions, such as the biotransformation enzyme activities, for two weeks that extended the usable in vitro hepatocyte-based drug testing window. When the perfusion cultured hepatocytes from days 7 or 14 were used for drug testing, the APAP-induced hepatotoxicity measurements were more sensitive and consistent over time than the static culture control, enabling further exploitations in large-scale drug testing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xia
- Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, A*STAR, The Nanos, Singapore, Singapore
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48
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Abstract
The development of an extracorporeal hybrid liver-support system using hepatocytes and an artificial device has been long awaited for the treatment of patients with hepatic failure. During the past decade important progress has been made in biotechnology and bioengineering, and a hybrid liver-support device using metabolically active hepatocytes may well become a reality in the near future. This paper outlines recent developments in bioreactor systems used as bioartificial liver-support devices, and focuses on critical issues for bioreactor design, main transport features and culture techniques for hepatocytes. We describe our bioreactor, which uses porcine hepatocytes, and the scaling-up of the device. The biochemical performance of such a device is comparable to that of those developed by other researchers, and we feel encouraged to perform in vivo experiments on animal models in order to evaluate the potential of the device as a bioartificial liver.
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49
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Chu XH, Shi XL, Feng ZQ, Gu JY, Xu HY, Zhang Y, Gu ZZ, Ding YT. In vitro evaluation of a multi-layer radial-flow bioreactor based on galactosylated chitosan nanofiber scaffolds. Biomaterials 2009; 30:4533-8. [PMID: 19500837 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2009.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2009] [Accepted: 05/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Clinical use of bioartificial livers (BAL) strongly relies on the development of bioreactors. In this study, we developed a multi-layer radial-flow bioreactor based on galactosylated chitosan nanofiber scaffolds and evaluated its efficacy in vitro. The bioreactor contains 65 layers of stacked flat plates, on which the nanofiber scaffolds were electrospinned for hepatocyte immobilization and aggregation. Culture medium containing pig red blood cells (RBCs) was perfused from the center to periphery, so that exchange materials are sufficient to afford enough oxygen. We determined the parameters for hepatocyte-specific function and general metabolism and also measured the oxygen consumption rate (OCR). Microscope and scanned electron microscopy observation showed a tight adhesion between cells and scaffolds. Compared with the control (bioreactors without nanofiber scaffolds), the number of adhered cells in our bioreactor was 1.59-fold; the protein-synthesis capacity of hepatocytes was 1.73-fold and urea was 2.86-fold. Moreover, the OCR of bioreactors with RBCs was about 1.91-fold that of bioreactors without RBCs. The galactosylated chitosan nanofiber scaffolds introduced into our new bioreactor greatly enhanced cell adhesion and function, and the RBCs added into the culture medium were able to afford enough oxygen for hepatocytes. Importantly, our new bioreactor showed an exciting efficiency, and it may afford the short-term support of patients with hepatic failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Hui Chu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Drum Tower Affiliated Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, PR China
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50
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Wigg AJ, Barritt GJ, Young GP, Phillips JW. Inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis enables extended maintenance of integrity and function of isolated hepatocytes in suspension. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2009; 24:1082-8. [PMID: 19638086 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2009.05798.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Isolated hepatocytes in suspension may offer an alternative culture system for bioartificial liver devices. However, maintenance of isolated hepatocyte suspensions in conventional media leads to rapid loss of cell integrity. The aim of this study was to develop a modified medium to better maintain hepatocyte integrity. METHODS Isolated rat hepatocytes were prepared by collagenase digestion. Hepatocytes were purified in a Percoll gradient, suspended in bicarbonate buffered isotonic saline supplemented with d-alpha-tocopherol succinate and glucose and medium changed at 24 h (modified medium). The properties of cells treated this way were compared with those prepared by collagenase digestion and suspension in bicarbonate buffered isotonic saline (basic medium). Both media were maintained at 30 degrees C for 48 h on an orbital shaker. Markers for oxidative stress, apoptosis and metabolic function were measured enzymatically. Cell morphology was assessed by electron microscopy. RESULTS When compared to collagenase-isolated hepatocytes maintained in basic medium, hepatocytes purified by Percoll (Amersham Biosciences, Castle Hill, Australia) and maintained in modified medium demonstrated significantly increased glutathione (GSH) and GSH : glutathione disulphide (GSSH) ratios, decreased lipid peroxidation product formation, decreased caspase-3 protease activity, reduced uptake of trypan blue and loss of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increase preservation of cellular adenosine triphosphate concentration ([ATP]), urea synthesis, ammonia removal and glycogen content. Cell morphology was substantially preserved following 48 h of maintenance in the modified medium. CONCLUSIONS The use of Percoll and modified medium reduces cell injury and apoptosis and greatly improves maintenance of cell function and morphology. The modifications reported here and the use of isolated hepatocyte suspensions in bioartificial liver devices are worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Wigg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
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