Methods and compositions of bioartificial kidney suitable for use in vivo or ex vivo

Abstract

A novel cell seeded hollow fiber bioreactor is described as a potential bioartificial kidney. Endothelial cells along with pericyte, vascular smooth muscle, and/or mesangial cells or any mesenchymally derived support cells are seeded along a hollow fiber in a perfused bioreactor to reproduce the ultrafiltration function and transport function of the kidney. Maintenance of tissue specific function and ultrastructure suggest that this bioreactor provides an economical device for treating renal failure.

1 . A bioartificial device, comprising a semipermeable surface coated with (i) a layer of nonimmortalized endothelial cells, epithelial cells, or a mixture thereof and (ii) pericyte, vascular smooth muscle or mesangial cells or a mixture thereof, 
 wherein one side of said semipermeable surface is in fluid communication with a blood inlet and the other side is in fluid communication with a blood outlet.    
   
   
       2 . The bioartificial device according to  claim 1 , which is a reabsorption device and wherein said layer (i) comprises renal tubule cells.  
   
   
       3 . The bioartificial device of  claim 1 , which is a filtration device and wherein said layer (i) comprises renal endothelial cells and pericyte, vascular smooth muscle or mesangial cells or a mixture thereof.  
   
   
       4 . The bioartificial filtration device according to  claim 1 , wherein said pericyte cells (ii) are mesangial cells.  
   
   
       5 . The bioartificial filtration device according to  claim 1 , comprising at least a 1:1 ratio of (a) endothelial cells to (b) pericyte, vascular smooth muscle or mesangial cells or a mixture thereof.