Patent ID: 6759245
Filing Date: 2004-07-06
Classification: A61F,A61M,B01D,C12M,C12N

Abstract:
A method for culturing hepatocytes, the method comprising:providing a gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane having a first surface and a second surface; seeding hepatocytes on the first surface of the gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane, wherein the hepatocytes are seeded directly on the membrane or directly on a molecularly-thick coating material on the surface of the membrane; contacting the hepatocytes directly with a nutrient-containing culture medium; providing an oxygenated fluid to the second surface of the gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane at a pressure sufficient to provide transmembrane oxygenation to the hepatocytes seeded on the first surface; and culturing the hepatocytes under conditions that promote viability and function of the hepatocytes.