Patent ID: 6858146
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: A61F,A61M,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A device for extracorporeal purification of mammalian biological fluid comprising: a bioreactor having inlet and outlet ports for, respectively, ingress and egress of biological fluid; inlet and outlet ports for, respectively, ingress and egress of culture medium; and at least one semi-permeable membrane extending therethrough, which membrane defines a first conduit for ingress and egress of biological fluid and a second conduit for ingress and egress of culture medium; a mixing vessel in fluid communication with the second conduit, wherein the mixing vessel has an inlet port for introduction of living, unattached hepatocytes into the culture medium; a metal containing substrate within the bioreactor for attachment of hepatocytes wherein at least a portion of the hepatocytes are attached to the metal containing substrate wherein the metal is susceptible to magnetic forces; a means for generating an alternating magnetic field wherein the field causes the metal containing substrate to be circulated within the bioreactor; oxygenation means in gaseous communication with the mixing vessel; pump means for circulation of biological fluid through the first conduit of the bioreactor; and, pump means for circulation of hepatocytes and culture medium in the mixing vessel and through the second conduit of the bioreactor.