Work carried out at the university of California has proven that liver cells can function at an elevated level outside the human body. The groundbreaking work will help scientists to develop artificial liver devices. Previous studies with liver cells have found that the cells function at levels similar to that in vivo, however, this study demonstrated that the cells could function at levels 5-10 higher for up to six weeks. This optimisation of cell performance means that fewer cells will be needed to perform the normal work of the liver, allowing external devices to operate more efficiently. The team are using microfabrication and electrochemical etching techniques to develop an artificial liver.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.unisci.com 25th September 2000
