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Published on: December 26, 2017
Selectivity of biopolymer membranes using HepG2 cells.
Dongyuan Lü1, Yuxin Gao1, Chunhua Luo1
1Center 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.
Researchers compared eight biocompatible membranes for bioartificial liver (BAL) systems. Acetyl cellulose (CA) and polypropylene (PP) membranes showed the most promise for hepatocyte attachment and function in liver bioreactors.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Hepatology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Bioartificial liver (BAL) systems offer a potential solution for acute liver failure, bridging patients to transplantation or regeneration.
- Current BAL systems face limitations due to suboptimal interactions between membranes and hepatocytes within liver bioreactors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the biological responses of hepatocyte-like HepG2 cells on eight commercially available biocompatible membranes.
- To identify membrane characteristics that promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and function for improved liver bioreactor design.
Main Methods:
- HepG2 cells were seeded onto eight distinct biocompatible membranes: acetyl cellulose-nitrocellulose mixed cellulose (CA-NC), acetyl cellulose (CA), nylon (JN), polypropylene (PP), nitrocellulose (NC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polycarbonate (PC), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
- Membranes underwent physicochemical analysis and mechanical testing.
- Cellular responses including adhesion, proliferation, morphology, and expression of key proteins (actin, albumin, cytokeratin 18) were assessed.
- Protein filtration capabilities of the membranes were also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Acetyl cellulose (CA), nylon (JN), and polypropylene (PP) membranes exhibited favorable adhesivity, mechanical properties, and surface topography for cell seeding.
- HepG2 cells demonstrated preferential adhesion and high proliferation rates on CA, JN, PP, and PTFE membranes, forming spheroid-like structures.
- Optimal expression of actin, albumin, and cytokeratin 18 was observed on CA and PP membranes.
- Protein filtration efficiency was consistent across all tested membranes.
Conclusions:
- Acetyl cellulose (CA) and polypropylene (PP) membranes present promising characteristics for hepatocyte culture in liver bioreactors due to superior cell adhesion, proliferation, and functional marker expression.
- These findings provide crucial insights for the rational design of more effective bioartificial liver systems.
- Further research can leverage these results to enhance the interface between cells and membranes in liver bioreactor technology.
