[The internal bioartifical liver]

A possible alternative to liver transplantation is the internal bioartificial liver (IBAL) consisting in the transplantation of isolated encapsulated hepatocytes. The goal of IBAL is to allow an auxiliary liver until native liver regeneration. The hepatocytes could be allogeneic or xenogeneic (animal origin). Large animal source of liver cells should allow immediate isolation of fresh hepatocytes when IBAL is required. The peritoneal cavity is probably the site of implantation of IBAL. In the future, IBAL could be envisioned as the treatment of metabolic deficiencies or acute and chronic liver failure. It could ensure a therapeutic bridge until transplantation.