Tiny capsules to grow large amounts of human stem-cell liver cells
Engineering microcapsules for scalable differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into hepatocytes
['FUNDING_R01'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11290414
The team is developing a way to produce many human stem-cell–derived liver cells for use in artificial liver devices to help adults with severe or acute liver failure.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11290414 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will build microscopic protective capsules and use bioreactors so human pluripotent stem cells can be expanded and turned into working hepatocytes at larger scale. The project combines materials engineering and stem-cell biology to keep cells healthy and functional during growth and maturation. The produced hepatocytes would be intended for use inside bioartificial liver devices that can perform detoxification and other liver functions. The work is happening at Mayo Clinic Rochester and aims to create a reliable cell source to support patients while they wait for a transplant or recover.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with acute or acute-on-chronic liver failure who need short-term support while awaiting transplant or recovery would be the main patients who might benefit from devices using these cells.
Not a fit: People under 21, those with stable chronic liver disease not facing acute failure, or patients whose conditions are not related to liver function may not directly benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a steady supply of human liver cells to power bioartificial liver systems, offering a bridge-to-transplant or bridge-to-recovery for patients with liver failure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous bioartificial liver devices have used animal cells or small batches of human hepatocytes, but producing large numbers of mature human stem-cell–derived hepatocytes for clinical devices remains novel and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: REVZIN, ALEXANDER — MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: REVZIN, ALEXANDER
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.