Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver

The Artificial Liver and Liver Transplantation Laboratory of Scott L. Nyberg, M.D., Ph.D., has recently developed a novel device, the Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver (SRBAL), which is being evaluated in a preclinical model of liver failure with the ultimate goal of bedside treatment of patients in liver failure.

  • Schematic of the automated spheroid reservoir, which was developed by the Mayo Clinic Division of Engineering.
    Schematic of the automated spheroid reservoir

    Schematic of the automated spheroid reservoir, which was developed by the Mayo Clinic Division of Engineering.
  • Spheroid reservoir loaded with 200 grams of porcine hepatocyte spheroids
    Spheroid reservoir loaded with 200 grams of porcine hepatocyte spheroids
  • Schematic of the extracorporeal circuit of the Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver.
    Schematic of the extracorporeal circuit of the Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver
  • Prototype of the Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver.
    Prototype of the Spheroid Reservoir Bioartificial Liver
  • Histology of acute liver injury secondary to drug overdose
    Histology of acute liver injury secondary to drug overdose

    If untreated, this histology is associated with the development of fulminant hepatic failure, coma and brain death. Primary treatment of fulminant liver failure consists of liver transplantation. The SRBAL is a potential bridge to liver transplantation, or it may provide temporary support until spontaneous recovery of the native liver.