[A new liver support system composed of functional human cells and a radial-flow bioreactor]

An artificial liver will be useful for the treatment of acute hepatic failure and a bridge of liver transplantation. The current reports suggest that the hybrid type of artificial liver composed of functional human liver cells and a bioreactor is practical for clinical use. In the present study, we succeeded high density culture on a large-scale of human functional hepatoma (JHH-7) using a newly developed radial flow packed-bed bioreactor. Since the shear stress of this bioreactor is lower than the other type, high density culture without cell damage is possible. JHH-7 cells produced large amounts of human albumin and other liver specific proteins, and then have the function of ammonia metabolism in the system. This study suggests that a radial flow bioreactor will be developed as a new type of artificial liver.