HYBRID ARTIFICIAL ORGANS

-LIVER-

Abstract

In order to replace the liver function, the development of the system where natural hepatocytes are immobilized in a matrix polymer might be considered as the best way. We designed lactose-carrying polystyrene derivatives (PVLA) as a substratum for hepatocyte from the viewpoint of modeling asialoglycoprotein. On PVLA-coated dish, the specific function as well as attachment of hepatocyte was successfully maintained. Moreover, with the addition of EGF, the aggregation of lots of hepatocytes was made, which has better functions and longevity.