METHOD FOR CULTURING BIPOLAR-ADHESION HEPATOCYTES

摘要

A method of adding extracellular matrix components to the stationary phase of the matrix for bipolar adhesion of hepatocytes enables these substances to be concentrated and bonded to a defined base matrix composed of a simple base matrix (e.g. type I collagen). One advantage, for example when fibronectin is added, is to provide a completely serum-free culture of liver cells while maintaining normal morphology and function; as a result conventional culture media previously unsuited to serum-free culture of liver cells are now also suitable for relatively long-term serum-free culture. Furthermore, reproducibility of trial results and mechanical stability are substantially improved over the conventional form of matrix layering. The method is applied using a specially adapted kit. Other matrix components can also be added to the matrix by this method, and thus concentration and bonding can be effected within the fibrillary matrix skeleton after the base matrix has gelled.