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.