Microfabricated silicon nitride membranes for hepatocyte sandwich culture.

We have developed a hepatocyte sandwich culture with improved mass transport properties based on ultra-thin microfabricated porous silicon nitride (Si(3)N(4)) membranes. The dimensions and uniformity of the membrane pores can be configurable, which confers more control over the mass transport. Instead of collagen gels used in conventional sandwich culture, we utilized galactose ligands immobilized on the Si(3)N(4) membranes to support hepatocyte attachment and function in the sandwich culture.