This invention is about an innovative hollow fiber membrane designed to improve liver cell attachment for use in bio-artificial liver systems and bioreactors and relates to a single step method for its manufacturing. It combines materials like polyether sulfone and Vitamin E TPGS with additional coatings of polycaprolactone and gelatin, secured by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde. This design aims to mimic natural liver functions more closely, enhancing the effectiveness of liver support systems.
Figure (1) Schematic of the bioartificial liver and its flow circuit during testing.
Current bio-artificial liver systems struggle with cell attachment and functionality due to the limitations of standard hollow fiber membranes. These challenges reduce the effectiveness of treatments for liver failure. The new design aims to solve these issues by improving the membrane’s compatibility with liver cells, thus enhancing overall function.
Enhanced Biocompatibility: This technology stands out pertaining to its effective biological compatibility through
- Material Composition: Uses a mix of polyether sulfone and Vitamin E TPGS, creating a stable and strong base for the membrane.
- Coating and Crosslinking: Features layers of polycaprolactone and gelatin, crosslinked with glutaraldehyde to improve the membrane's surface for better cell interaction.
- Peculiar Design: It has an effective surface design that is crucial for supporting liver cells.
- Integrated Production Process: Not only ensures consistent quality but also potentially reduces manufacturing costs, making advanced liver support more accessible.
- Blood-Compatible Design: The membrane exhibits low hemolysis, minimal platelet adhesion, and delayed blood clotting—making it suitable for blood-contacting medical devices.
A lab-scale prototype of the 3D multiscale scaffold matrix has been developed by electrospinning a blend of polycaprolactone, gelatin, and chitosan nanofibers onto porous hollow fiber membranes. The scaffold has been incorporated into a bioreactor unit and tested with goat liver primary cells, demonstrating high levels of cell viability, spheroid formation, and tissue-like behavior. The prototype has also exhibited favorable hemocompatibility, mechanical integrity, and thermal stability, making it suitable for further development in bio-artificial liver systems and tissue engineering platforms.
The technology has been successfully demonstrated in laboratory conditions. The scaffold matrix has shown promising results in supporting cell attachment, growth, and function using HepG2 liver cells and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. Functional evaluation has confirmed enhanced liver-specific activity, including urea synthesis and albumin secretion. The fabrication process has been optimized and validated using a reproducible, one-step nanofiber deposition technique onto hollow fiber membranes.
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The development of effective alternatives to donor-based liver transplants is a major healthcare need. This technology contributes to that goal by offering a biocompatible, blood-compatible membrane that can support liver cell attachment and function in bio-artificial liver systems. The simplified, scalable fabrication process enables wider deployment in both clinical and research settings. By facilitating the development of more reliable liver support systems and in vitro liver models, this innovation supports better patient outcomes, reduces dependence on transplants, and strengthens drug testing platforms for liver-related diseases.
Medical Devices and Implants, Biotechnology and Biopharma, Healthcare and Critical Care, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Medical Research and Diagnostics
- Bio-artificial Liver (BAL) Systems: Enables improved hepatocyte function and viability in liver support devices.
- Cell Culture Bioreactors: Serves as a high-performance substrate for large-scale liver cell cultivation.
- Tissue Engineering: Useful in regenerative medicine applications requiring robust liver cell scaffolding.
- Pharmaceutical Testing: Allows 3D liver cell cultures for drug metabolism and toxicity screening.
- Blood-Contacting Medical Devices: Potential application in devices that require hemocompatible hollow fiber membranes.
201721012545
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