Human hepatic cell behavior on polysulfone membrane with double porosity level

In the membrane-based bioartificial livers developed up to now,the hepatic cells were located either in the fibers lumen or in the cartridge,with limited capacity for cell hosting.Here,we designed a polysulfone (PSU) membrane with a double porosity level:(i)surface macroporosity emerging in macrochambers accessible to hepatic cell colonization;(ii)microporosity to ensure gas and molecule transfers between macrochambers and supernatant,as well as potential immune barrier. ESEM and X-ray tomography confirmed that macrochambers accessed the membrane surface and were inter-connected. Biocompatibility and performances of this PSU membrane with double porosity level were compared to classical semi-permeable structures,following cell organization,cell proliferation and liver specific activities over a 9 days incubation. Macrochambers were colonized by hepatic cells, leading to higher albumin synthesis compared to control.Therefore,this membrane with double porosity appeared as a promising support to offer an inner 3D environment adequate to cell proliferation to form a liver-like tissue