recent development in artificial.liver. in field of biomedical engineering
- 1. Recent Developments in Artificial Liver Technology
- 2. Introduction to Artificial Liver • An artificial liver is a device or system designed to perform the functions of the human liver. It is used to treat patients with acute liver failure, chronic liver diseases, and other liver-related conditions. The concept of an artificial liver has been around for several decades, and researchers are constantly working to improve the technology. 27 December 2023 2
- 3. The Need for Artificial Liver • Addressing the Shortage of Donor Livers • Treatment for Acute Liver Failure 27 December 2023 3
- 4. Current State of Liver Transplants • There is a shortage of livers available for transplant, resulting in long wait times and many deaths while waiting. • Living donor liver transplants are becoming more common, but are still limited by the number of willing donors and the risk to the donor's health. • Artificial liver devices are being developed to bridge the gap between liver failure and transplant, but current devices have limitations and are not widely available. 27 December 2023 4
- 5. Applications of Artificial Liver • Liver Transplantation Artificial livers can be used as a bridge to transplantation, keeping patients alive while they wait for a donor liver. • Drug Testing and Development Artificial livers can be used to test the toxicity and efficacy of new drugs, reducing the need for animal testing and speeding up drug development. 27 December 2023 5
- 6. Types of Artificial Liver • There are two main types of artificial liver: extracorporeal and bioartificial. Extracorporeal artificial liver support systems are external devices that filter the blood to remove toxins and waste products. Bioartificial livers, on the other hand, use living cells to perform the functions of the liver. 27 December 2023 6
- 7. Extracorporeal Artificial Liver • Extracorporeal artificial liver works outside the body and is connected to the patient's blood vessels. The blood is circulated through the device, where it is filtered and detoxified before being returned to the patient's body. This type of artificial liver is used as a temporary measure until the patient's own liver can recover or until a liver transplant can be performed. 27 December 2023 7
- 8. Extracorporeal Liver Support Systems (ELSS) Overview Extracorporeal liver support systems (ELSS) are medical devices that support the function of the liver in patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and chronic liver disease (CLD). ELSS can be used as a bridge to transplant or recovery, providing temporary support until the patient's own liver can regain function or until a suitable donor liver becomes available. Types of ELSS • Hepatocyte-based systems • Non-biological systems 27 December 2023 8
- 9. How ELSS Devices Work • ELSS devices work by removing toxins and waste products from the blood, as well as providing support for various liver functions. This can help to stabilize patients with liver failure and improve their chances of recovery or successful transplantation. **Prometheus The Prometheus ELSS (extracorporeal liver support system) device is a form of artificial liver support system (ALSS) used to treat patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and chronic liver disease (CLD). 27 December 2023 9
- 10. MARS (Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System) MARS is an extracorporeal liver support system that uses albumin-bound molecules to selectively remove toxins from the blood. The device is designed to help patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and chronic liver disease (CLD) by providing temporary liver support while they wait for a transplant or recover from their illness. How MARS Works MARS works by circulating the patient's blood through a filter containing albumin- bound molecules that selectively remove toxins. The filtered blood is then returned to the patient's body. The albumin used in the filter is derived from human blood plasma and is specially treated to remove any viruses or other pathogens. Benefits of MARS • Improved liver function and reduced toxicity levels in the blood. • Reduced need for liver transplantation in some cases. • Improved survival rates for patients with ALF and CLD. 27 December 2023 10
- 11. HepaLife HepaLife is an extracorporeal liver support system (ELSS) device that has shown promising results in treating acute liver failure (ALF) and chronic liver disease (CLD). • How it Works The HepaLife ELSS device uses a combination of plasma exchange and adsorption to remove toxins and waste products from the patient's blood. The device also provides essential metabolic support to the liver, allowing it to regenerate and recover. Benefits • Can be used as a bridge to transplant or recovery for patients with ALF or CLD. • Provides metabolic support to the liver, promoting regeneration and recovery. • Removes toxins and waste products from the patient's blood, improving overall health and reducing the risk of complications. 27 December 2023 11
- 12. Bioartificial Artificial Liver • Bioartificial artificial liver is a more complex device that contains living cells and works inside the body. The cells are usually derived from human or animal liver tissue and are used to perform the same functions as a healthy liver. This type of artificial liver is still in the experimental stage and is being developed as a long-term solution for patients with liver failure. 27 December 2023 12
- 13. Cell Sources for BALs • Bioartificial liver (BAL) systems rely on the use of cells to provide metabolic and detoxification functions in patients with acute or chronic liver failure. There are several potential sources of cells for BALs, including: • Stem Cells • Primary Hepatocytes 27 December 2023 13
- 14. Advancements in Artificial Liver Technology • Artificial liver technology has come a long way in recent years, with several advancements being made to improve the effectiveness and accessibility of this life-saving treatment. Recent Advancements in Artificial Liver Technology • The development of artificial liver support systems (ALSS) as a bridge to transplant or recovery is becoming more common, bringing hope for patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and chronic liver disease (CLD). These advancements have the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from liver disease, and may even save lives. 27 December 2023 14
- 15. Miniature Bioartificial Livers • These devices are designed to mimic the functions of a natural liver, using living cells to filter toxins from the blood and produce essential proteins. Miniature bioartificial livers are smaller and more portable than traditional artificial livers, making them easier to use in emergency situations or for patients who require ongoing treatment. 27 December 2023 15
- 16. 3D Printing • 3D printing technology has been used to create artificial livers with greater precision and accuracy than ever before. This allows doctors to tailor treatment to each patient's individual needs, improving the chances of a successful outcome. Nanotechnology • Nanoparticles have been used to create more efficient and effective artificial livers. These tiny particles can be programmed to target specific cells or functions within the liver, improving the overall effectiveness of the treatment. 27 December 2023 16
- 17. Clinical trials for artificial liver technology have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these devices. These trials typically involve testing the devices in animals and humans to assess their performance and potential side effects. Clinical Trials 27 December 2023 17
- 18. Prototype Devices • Prototype devices for artificial liver support and replacement are also being developed, with promising results. These devices aim to mimic the functions of the liver, such as detoxification and metabolism, and can provide temporary support for patients with liver failure while they await a transplant or recover from acute liver injury. 27 December 2023 18
- 19. Benefits and Limitations of Artificial Liver Benefits: • Provides temporary support for liver function until a donor liver becomes available. • Can be used to bridge patients to liver transplant. • May improve survival rates for patients with acute liver failure. Limitations: •Expensive and not widely available. •May not be effective in treating all forms of liver disease. •Can cause complications such as infection and bleeding. 27 December 2023 19
- 20. Future of Artificial Liver Advancements in Technology • As technology continues to advance, the future of artificial liver looks promising. Researchers are exploring new ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of artificial liver devices, including the development of more sophisticated materials and techniques for creating artificial liver cells. Personalized Medicine • As the field of personalized medicine continues to evolve, there may be a greater emphasis on developing artificial liver devices that can be tailored to individual patients based on their specific needs and medical histories. Regenerative Medicine • The field of regenerative medicine holds great promise for the future of artificial liver. Researchers are exploring ways to create new liver cells from a patient's own cells, which could potentially eliminate the need for liver transplants and reduce the risk of rejection. 27 December 2023 20