Abstract
Artificial cells were first conceived as vehicles for adsorbents, organelles, microorganisms, enzymes, and other biological materials [1–5]. Artificial cells are being used in biotechnology and medicine [5], including artificial liver support [6]. For example, coated charcoal hemoperfusion was effective in removing sufficient toxic substances in grade IV hepatic coma to result in the temporary recovery of consciousness [7]. Other groups have supported this observation [6–8]. Randomized control studies in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) rats showed a significant increase in survival rates if hemoperfusion was performed in the earlier grade of coma [9]. Clinical trials carried out by William’s group supported our finding [10]. We have also used biodegradable artificial cells for substained release of prostaglandin E2 in FHF rats to delay the development of cerebral edema [11–14]. Microencapsulation of hepatocyte organelles was also studied [15]. Artificial cells containing cell suspension have also been prepared [2, 3] and proposed for use for hepatocytes for artificial liver support [2, 3]. Implantation of artificial cells containing hepatocytes increased the survival time of FHF rats [16].
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