Cell Media and Methods for the Cryopreservation and Recovery of Hepatocytes

Fresh hepatocytes are used for in vitro liver toxicity testing since they possess intact hepatic functions. However, the sources for fresh liver tissue are very limited and fresh hepatocytes in suspension have limited life span with greater than 80% loss of viability after 2h of incubation at 37°C. Researchers have developed cell media and a two-step process for the cryopreservation of hepatocytes to extend the life span and allow for preservation of hepatic functions, i.e. CYP activity and morphology. This allows researchers to have functional cells on demand.

Additionally, recovery of cryopreserved hepatocytes is often met with a loss of viability and functionality of cells. Researchers have also developed a recovery media and method to recover viable and fully functional hepatocytes for experimental use. Utilizing this kit, cells are recovered at a rate of >80% viability.

ADVANTAGES:

• No rapid freezing:The developed media prevents rapid freezing and ice crystal formation to prevent cell death.
• Improved cell viability:Recovered cells treated with this kit retain viability better than previous methods.
• Retains activity: Hepatocytes treated with this media kit retain activity during recovery.
• Use with multiple cell types: This kit works well with dog hepatocytes and has been further modified to be used with other organs, such as kidney, etc and for other species including humans.