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"Off-The-Shelf" Bioartificial Liver Support System Using Cryopreserved Immobilized Hepatocyte Spheroids in a Porcine
Ji-Hyun Lee1, Young-A Kim1, Doo-Hoon Lee2
1Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Artificial Organs
|October 31, 2025
Summary
A bioartificial liver (BAL) system using cryopreserved porcine hepatocyte spheroids significantly improved survival in pigs with acute liver failure (ALF). This BAL system effectively cleared ammonia and preserved kidney function in the ALF porcine model.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Hepatology
- Transplantation Biology
Background:
- Established cryopreservation for hepatocyte spheroids for bioartificial liver (BAL) systems.
- Acute liver failure (ALF) presents significant therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate the efficacy of a BAL system with cryopreserved immobilized porcine hepatocyte spheroids.
- Assess the system's impact in a porcine model of ALF.
Main Methods:
- Pigs with ALF were divided into three groups: control (no treatment), blank BAL (no hepatocytes), and BAL (with hepatocytes).
- All groups were monitored for 12 hours with the respective BAL system configurations.
- Hepatocyte activity was assessed via specific oxygen uptake rates.
Main Results:
- Hepatocytes in the BAL system maintained high activity throughout the 12-hour operation.
- The BAL group exhibited significantly prolonged median survival times (24.0 h) compared to blank (17.0 h) and control (15.0 h) groups.
- BAL treatment led to effective serum ammonia clearance and improved prothrombin time (PT), indicating better liver function and coagulation.
Conclusions:
- A BAL system utilizing cryopreserved, immobilized porcine hepatocyte spheroids demonstrates significant therapeutic potential.
- The system effectively manages key indicators of ALF, including ammonia levels and coagulation parameters.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for treating ALF, leveraging cryopreserved cells for an off-the-shelf solution.
