Investigation of optimum culture condition for hybrid artificial liver module using PUF/porcine hepatocyte spheroid culture

In this study, we determined optimum culture conditions of primary porcine hepatocytes for development of hybrid artificial liver using polyurethane foam (PUF)/spheroid culture. Optimum components of culture medium were investigated in stationary culture using PUF plate (25 x 25 x 1 mm). Immobilized cell density and intracapillary medium velocity in multi- capillary (MC) PUF packed-bed module (volume: 18.8 cm³) were estimated in perfusion culture. As a result, porcine hepatocytes formed spheroid spontaneously and maintained ammonia metabolic activity in Williams'E medium supplemented with 10 to 20% FBS. And high activities of ammonia metabolism and albumin secretion were performed at the immobilized cell density. This study provided optimum culture condition for hybrid artificial liver module using PUF/porcine hepatocyte spheroid culture.