Use of hepatocyte cultures for liver support bioreactors.

Hybrid artificial liver systems are being developed as extracorporeal temporary liver support therapy. Here, an overview is given with emphasis on hepatocyte culture models for bioreactors, in vitro studies, animal studies and the clinical application of hybrid liver support systems. In vitro studies show long term external metabolic functions of primary isolated hepatocytes in bioreactors. These systems are capable of supporting essential liver functions. Animal experiments show the possibility of upscaling the bioreactors for clinical treatment. Since there is no reliable animal model for investigations on the treatment of acute liver failure, the promising results of these studies have limited relevance. The small number of clinical studies are not sufficient to give statements about a clinical improvement of therapy of acute liver failure. Although important progress has been made in the development of the systems, multiple different hepatocyte culture models and bioreactor constructions are discussed in the literature, indicating competition in this field of medical research.