Multi-functional chamber housing a biological component

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of extracorporeal liver perfusion and, more particularly, to the design of a chamber in which a biological component can be housed to form e.g. a bio-artificial liver (BAL). It also relates to a bio-artificial liver per se, it's components and methodological steps associated with its development and use. The chamber ( 10 ) for the biological component ( 100 ) of a bio-artificial liver ( 200 ) is configured to allow: •Proliferation of the biological component, in situ; •Cryopreservation of the biological component, in situ, and •Perfusion of the biological component, in situ.

1 .- 36 . (canceled) 
     
     
         37 . A chamber for the biological component of a bio-artificial liver comprising:
 a fluid bed support;   a fluidising inlet and a fluidising outlet; and   at least one heat exchanger disposed within the chamber;   wherein he chamber is configured to allow in situ proliferation, cryopreservation via the at least one heat exchanger, and perfusion of the biological component.   
     
     
         38 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 37  which can be sterilised. 
     
     
         39 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 37  which is a sealable unit of tubular construction comprising a wall closable by upper and lower plates. 
     
     
         40 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 37  comprising a working volume (v) of from 1 to 10 litres. 
     
     
         41 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 37  which is substantially cylindrical, and has an aspect ratio (a), a=h/d, where h=height and d=diameter, of from 10:1 to 1.3:1 
     
     
         42 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 41  further comprising a filter mesh. 
     
     
         43 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 37  further comprising an inlet and outlet and a fluid transporter system disposed there between. 
     
     
         44 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 43  wherein the fluid transporter system comprises a tube semi-permeable to gasses. 
     
     
         45 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 43  wherein the fluid transporter system is arranged helically around an inner wall of the chamber. 
     
     
         46 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 37  wherein the at least one heat exchanger extends through an upper plate into the chamber just above the fluid bed plate. 
     
     
         47 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 37  wherein the at least one heat exchanger are disposed along one length (h) of the chamber. 
     
     
         48 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 47  wherein the at least one heat exchanger is arranged substantially perpendicular to upper and lower plates. 
     
     
         49 . A chamber as claimed in  claim 37  wherein the at least one heat exchanger is a hollow rod made or coated with titanium or alloys thereof.