Mass transfer in a hollow fiber device used as a bioartificial liver.

ABSTRACT

The transport of albumin, glucose and fluid in a hollow fiber bioartificial liver (BAL) was predicted by theory and measured experimentally. Results from the experiment were used in a three compartment transport model to estimate the transfiber fluid flux. Fluid convection driven by the transfiber pressure gradient transported solutes across the semi-permeable fibers of the BAL. Diffusion contributed significantly to the transfiber transport of both glucose and albumin. Modification of the BAL system hydraulic geometry significantly increased transfiber pressure gradient with corresponding increase in transfiber fluid flux. Transfiber solute transport was increased by osmotically driven transport which resulted from the revised flow geometry. Substantial delivery of hepatocyte synthesis products is possible with careful control of the physical parameters and operating conditions of the BAL.