This invention outlines a cutting-edge approach to improving bioartificial liver (BAL) support systems through the development of a cryogel-coated hollow fiber membrane. This innovative technology leverages a polymeric membrane integrated with a cryogel matrix and functionalized with graphene oxide to enhance the cellular microenvironment for hepatocytes. By doing so, it aims to provide a robust platform that supports the critical functions of liver cells, which are essential for the therapeutic management of acute liver failure. The integration of these components leads to a significantly more efficient BAL system, offering improved outcomes for patients awaiting liver transplants or recovery.
Figure (1) Scanning electron microscopic image of lyophilized cryogel which was eventually coated on hollow fiber membrane.
Current BAL systems struggle to maintain the viability and functionality of hepatocytes over extended periods, which is crucial for their effectiveness in treating liver failure. This limitation stems primarily from
- Suboptimal designs and
- Inadequate cell culture environments,
which fail to mimic the natural liver environment closely.
- Conventional hollow fiber membranes used in these systems do not provide sufficient biocompatibility or functional support for the cells, leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy.
- Ability to integrate seamlessly into BAL systems with enhanced biocompatibility and structural functionality.
- Improvement in the mechanical properties of the membrane along with enhancing its biological interaction with hepatocytes.
- Creation of a conducive environment that closely mimics the natural liver, promoting better cell function and longevity.
- Innovative design that facilitates a more effective immunoisolation, protecting the cells from the patient’s immune response while allowing essential nutrients to pass through.
- Provision of a scalable and efficient solution to the current limitations of liver support therapies, offering substantial improvements over traditional methods
The prototype has cryogel-coated HFMs, which allows more hepatocyte cell attachment. The prototype is a type of liver cell bioreactor which can potentially act as a bioartificial liver support system.
The technology for the Cryogel Coated Hollow Fiber Membrane is currently at the advanced prototype stage for scaleup and preclinical evaluation.
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The development of this cryogel-coated hollow fiber membrane holds significant potential to advance healthcare by enhancing the performance of bioartificial liver (BAL) systems. By offering more reliable support during critical stages of liver failure, it can improve the quality of life for patients with severe liver diseases. Increased efficacy of BAL systems may reduce dependence on liver transplants, helping ease transplant waiting lists and lower overall healthcare costs. In the long term, widespread adoption of such innovations could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced mortality rates associated with liver failure.
- Biomedical Devices: Enhances the development of more effective bioartificial liver (BAL) systems, offering improved therapeutic outcomes for liver failure patients
- Tissue Engineering: Supports a variety of cell cultivation needs in a controlled environment that closely mimics their natural tissue structure, beneficial for regenerating different types of tissues
- Pharmaceutical Testing: Ideal for creating accurate liver models for drug metabolism and toxicity studies, which helps in assessing the safety and efficacy of new pharmaceutical candidates. Also contributes to better understanding of how drugs interact with human liver tissues, leading to safer and more effective treatments
Geography of IP
Type of IP
201921015266
484585