Impact of Oxygenation of Bioartificial Liver Using Perfluorocarbon Emulsion Perftoran on Metabolism of Human Hepatoma C3A Cells

Abstract

One of the most important challenges in bioartificial liver designed for patients suffering from acute liver failure is oxygenation of cells within the bioreactor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of oxygenation of bioartificial liver using perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsion on the metabolic activity of hepatic cells in vitro. Mineral fibers coated with collagen type I were used as scaffolds for hepatic cells. Significantly higher total protein synthesis by hepatic C3A cells cultured in the bioreactor for 24 hours, in the group treated with medium supplemented with PFC emulsion, was observed in comparison with medium without PFC. Albumin production increased in the group treated with PFC after 1 hour of perfusion and was continuously, statistically, significantly higher during perfusion then the control group. In conclusion, the use of oxygen carriers, such as the PFC emulsion, can significantly improve synthetic performance of the bioreactor. Mineral fibers coated with extracellular proteins may serve as support for hepatic cells in the bioreactor.