SPHEROID RESERVOIR BAL

We have recently developed a novel device, the Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver, which is being evaluated in a preclinical model of liver failure with the ultimate goal of bedside treatment of patients in liver failure.

Histology of acute liver injury secondary to drug overdose. This histology is associated with the development of fulminant hepatic failure, coma and brain death if untreated. Primary treatment of fulminant liver failure consists of liver transplantation. The bioartificial liver is a potential bridge to liver transplantation, or it may provide temporary support until spontaneous recovery of the native liver.

Schematic of the Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver under in vitro condition (left) or at the bedside of a patient in liver failure. The Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver is current under investigation in preclinical trials of fulminant liver failure.

Photograph of prototype version of the Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver under in vitro conditions. The reservoir is loaded with 200 grams of freshly isolated pig hepatocytes, which represents over 20% of the hepatocyte mass in a normal human liver. Normal metabolic activity of hepatocytes can be maintained for several days under these conditions.