Optimizing the fluidized bed bioreactor as an external bioartificial liver.

Background: Our team previously designed and validated a new bioartificial liver (BAL) called Suppliver based on a Prismaflex™ device, including fluidized bed bioreactors hosting alginate-encapsulated hepatocytes. To ensure correct fluidization within the bioreactor, the beads need to become heavier with the addition of inert glass microspheres.

Methods: In this study, we assessed the impact of this additional component on the bead production process, bed fluidization, mass transfer and the mechanical properties of the beads, as well as cell viability and basic metabolic function.