Novel Large Scale Production of Embryoid Body from Embryonic Stem Cells and Hepatocyte-Lineage Platform Technology Research

Liver is one of the most important organs in the human body in which hepatocytes are responsible for metabolism, synthesis, detoxification and biotransformation function. Therefore, hepatocyte source is key component of the liver tissue engineering research. Embryonic stem cells (ES cells) are one of the ideal hepatocyte sources. Development of hepatocyte-lineage from inducing ES cells succeeded in the in vitro study. In adult cells maturation in differentiating ES cells in vitro process, ES cells need to form embryoid body (EB) first. EB mimic the gastrula structure. EB can generate three germ layer cells. Most ES cells related research is concentrated in inducing mechanism study, seldom discussing the mass production of EB technology. In this proposal, we use spinner flasks for large scale EB production and induce them to form hepatocyte-lineage. For investigating each EB differentiation, we put single EB into each well of the plate for inducing study and measure albumin as well as urea synthesis for evaluation the liver specific function. Another aim of this project, we will design a novel flat plate bioreactor with computer and automatic control for more accurate liver specific function on-line or off-line assay. The purpose of this novel bioreactor design is for large scale inducing EB to achieve mass production of hepatocyte-lineage. From our knowledge, this novel mass production of hepatocyte-lineage platform technology will have a great impact and contribution to liver tissue engineering.

Project ID:PB9308-3560
External Project ID:NSC93-2214-E182-008