Hepatocyte cultures: From collagen gel sandwiches to microfluidic devices with integrated biosensors

Hepatocytes are parenchymal cells of the liver responsible for drug detoxification, urea and bile production, serum protein synthesis, and glucose homeostasis. Hepatocytes are widely used for drug toxicity studies in bioartificial liver devices and for cell-based liver therapies. Because hepatocytes are highly differentiated cells residing in a complex microenvironment in vivo, they tend to lose hepatic phenotype and function in vitro. This paper first reviews traditional culture approaches used to rescue hepatic function in vitro and then discusses the benefits of emerging microfluidic-based culture approaches. We conclude by reviewing integration of hepatocyte cultures with bioanalytical or sensing approaches. (c) 2021 Author(s).

Automated summary

Hepatocytes, responsible for liver functions such as drug detoxification and bile production, tend to lose their phenotype and function in vitro. Traditional culture methods and emerging microfluidic-based approaches have been used to rescue hepatic function, and can be integrated with bioanalytical or sensing technologies.