Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Abstract

Bioartificial Liver Device Based on Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocytes

Songyang Ren, Joseph Ignatius Irudayam, Deisy Contreras, Dhruv Sareen, Dodanim Talavera-Adame, Clive N Svendsen and Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami

Decompensated liver disorders require liver transplantation. However, the donor organ shortage is a limiting factor. Harnessing the power of human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology in combination with hollow fiber-based bioartificial liver (BAL) device can be beneficial to patients with liver failure. Our goal is to develop a BAL module comprised of iPSC-derived hepatocytes (iHeps) arrayed on the extracapillary space (ECS) of hollow fiber membranous capillaries that allow the flow of blood through the intracapillary space (ICS), thus mimicking the tissue microarchitecture. For the proof-of-concept in vitro study, a cartridge having semipermeable polysulfone membrane fibers was used as an artificial liver device. As a source for human liver cells, we derived metabolically active hepatocytes from iPSCs. The iHeps on microcarrier beads were loaded into the ECS of a hollow fiber bioreactor cartridge and cultured using a closed-circuit continuous flow system. The iHeps secreted human albumin, prothrombin, and apolipoprotein B into the hollow fiber ICS media, and the continuous flow system also improved maturation of iHeps. In conclusion, the iPSC-hepatocytes in the bioartificial liver device maintained the secretory function and exhibited cell maturation. The iPSC-hepatocyte BAL has the potential to be further developed as a liver support device for the treatment of decompensated liver diseases.