Progress in bioreactors of bioartificial livers

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine
• Hepatology

Background:

• Bioartificial liver support systems offer a promising therapeutic avenue for hepatic failure.
• Bioreactors are essential components, providing a controlled environment for cell growth, metabolism, and mass exchange.
• Stagnation in bioreactor research currently impedes the progress of these life-saving systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in bioreactor technology for bioartificial liver applications.
• To identify key innovations in bioreactor design, materials, and their impact on hepatocyte function.
• To assess the potential of novel bioreactors in improving therapies for liver failure.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed using keywords: "bioreactor", "bioartificial liver", "hepatocyte", and "liver failure".
• Over 40 relevant English-language articles focusing on bioartificial liver bioreactors were critically reviewed.
• The review synthesized data on structural improvements, functional enhancements, and material modifications.

Main Results:

• Recent progress includes improved bioreactor structures, functions, and modified macromolecular materials.
• Specific bioreactor systems like AMC BAL and MELS BAL showed partial replacement of liver functions in clinical studies.
• Microfluidic (PDMS) and microfabricated grooved bioreactors demonstrate suitability for hepatocyte culture, with modified scaffolds enhancing cell adhesion, growth, and function.

Conclusions:

• Bioreactors are pivotal devices in current and future bioartificial liver therapies for liver failure.
• Optimized bioreactor configurations and suitable modified scaffold materials are essential for constructing effective bioartificial livers.
• Continued innovation in bioreactor technology is critical for advancing bioartificial liver support systems.