Abstract
A rotating-disk type artificial liver support system was constructed using hepatocytes entrapped within a disk-shaped calcium alginate hydrogel. Entrapping hepatocytes by hydrogel was found effective to improve hepatocyte viability. Results of in vitro experiments showed sufficient ability of ammonium metabolism and urea synthesis. Metabolic function of hepatocyte was kept satisfactory at higher hepatocyte concentrations in hydrogel. Results of ex vivo perfusion experiments with cats of acute hepatic insufficiency showed that this nodule had enough ability to replace liver function in vivo.
