| [ Summary ] |
A hybrid membrane composed of animal kidney cells and artificial membranes is desirable for the development of wearable and implantable artificial kidneys, although it has not yet been used in hemodialysis treatment. An extra-cellular matrix coated on the surface of an artificial membrane is important, not only for a high rate of kidney cell attachment but to maintain cell function, even if cells are grown outside the body. On such occasions, selection of the most suitable extracellular matrix is an important factor for development of a functional hybrid membrane. In the development of an artificial glomerulus, the precoating of a suitable extracellular matrix is essential so that endothelial cells may have large pores in the cell membrane, in order to pass large amounts of filtrate. For tubular epithelial cell attachment, laminin and fibronectin should be chosen to obtain higher rates of attachment. |