Abstract
Liver transplantation is the only established treatment for acute liver failure (ALF), one of the most challenging clinical syndromes; however, donor shortages remain problematic. Artificial livers as a bridge to liver transplantation are being considered worldwide. Non-bioarticifical liver (NBAL) have limitations in improving the survival rates. Therefore, a biological artificial liver (BAL) that has metabolic, detoxic,and synthetic function of hepatocytes is anticipated. Biological artificial livers are classified by cell source, types of culture system for hepatocytes, and types of bioreactor. This paper reviews the bioartificial liver devices that have been clinically tested to support ALF patients. Finally, we identify several improvements critical to bioartificial liver replacement therapy in the future.
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