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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Human Liver Microphysiological System for Assessing Drug-Induced Liver Toxicity In Vitro
Published on: January 31, 2022
Functional evaluation of a new bioartificial liver system in vitro and in vitro
1Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China. chenz_surg@sina.com.cn
Aim:
To evaluate the functions of a new bioartificial liver (BAL) system in vitro and in vitro.
Methods:
The BAL system was configured by inoculating porcine hepatocyte spheroids into the cell circuit of a hollow fiber bioreactor. In the experiments of BAL in vitro, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), and albumin (ALB) in the circulating hepatocyte suspension and RPMI-1640 medium were determined during 6 h of circulation in the BAL device. In the experiments of BAL in vitro, acute liver failure (ALF) model in canine was induced by an end-side portocaval shunt combined with common bile duct ligation and transaction. Blood ALT, TB and ammonia levels of ALF in canines were determined before and after BAL treatment.
Results:
During 6 h of circulation in vitro, there was no significant change of ALT, whereas the TB and ALB levels gradually increased with time both in the hepatocyte suspension and in RPMI-1640 medium. In the BAL treatment group, blood ALT, TB and ammonia levels of ALF in canines decreased significantly.
Conclusion:
The new BAL system has the ability to perform liver functions and can be used to treat ALF.
