Researchers from the CAS Institute of Electrical Engineering (IEE) has recently succeeded in developing a special bioreactor and control system for the bioartificial liver support system of the University of Sydney as a cooperation project between the Chinese and Australian governments.
The new bioartificial liver support system containing hepatocytes is developed for the treatment of fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). It possesses the potential metabolic and synthetic functions of the liver and may provide certain nutrients necessary for regeneration of the liver tissue. The basis of the system is that the complex functions of the liver replaced by hepatocytes cultured in a special bioreactor. The system consists of two circuits: the patient circuit and the bioreactor circuit. Fluids in the circuits dialyse against each other through semipermeable membranes of hollow-fibres in a dialysis cartridge. Toxic molecules from the patient pass across the membrane and are metabolized by hepatocytes cultivates in the special bioreactor while hepatocyte-synthesised products pass across the membrane to the patient in the opposite direction.
The special bioreactor and control system developed by IEE scientists is a key component of the bioartificial liver support system. Its performance has been well received by experts of the University of Sydney.
The special bioreactor and control system.
