Cryopreservation of primary porcine liver cells in an organotypical sandwich model in a clinically relevant flat membrane bioreactor

To overcome the logistical difficulties of continuously supplying freshly-isolated, primary porcine liver cells to bioartificial liver support bioreactors, we developed a cryopreservation method using an organotypical sandwich model in a flat membrane bioreactor (FMB). We measured albumin secretion rate, urea synthesis rate and 7-ethoxy coumarin (ECOD) in long-term cultures of cryopreserved cells (up to 14 days). The albumin secretion rate was 62% that of non-cryopreserved cells at days 11 and 14. The ECOD activity was 54% that of fresh, control cells initially and increased up to 79% by the 14th day. The urea synthesis rate was stable at 60% that of the control. This study showed that cryopreserved cells can recover liver-specific functions. This result has the potential to dramatically expand the clinical application of bioartificial liver supports.