Design of a fluidized bed bioartificial liver.
The aim of this study was to design a bioreactor for extracorporeal liver supply containing alginate beads in a fluidized bed regimen. The objective was to achieve a satisfactory mixing into the bioreactor to promote the potential exchanges and mass transfers. First, we checked whether both present phases (solid: alginate beads; liquid: saline solution at 20 degrees C) might allow for this fluidization. Then the optimal design was defined as a function of the required operating conditions, bead volume, and perfusion flow rate; the bioreactor cross section and height especially needed to be adjusted. The efficient fluidization, under optimized conditions, was proven through the follow-up of the head losses generated by the fluidized bed. Criteria for scaling up were also determined.
Technological University of Compiègne, Department of Biological Engineering, Compiègne Cedex, France.
C
C
Legallais
E
E
Doré
P
P
Paullier
D000464:Alginates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D019149:Bioreactors; D004867:Equipment Design; D020723:Glucuronic Acid; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology; D019164:Liver, Artificial; D008433:Mathematics; D011312:Pressure
D000464:Alginates; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006603:Hexuronic Acids; D020723:Glucuronic Acid