Preservation and Transportation of Hepatocyte Monolayers in A No Spill Format at Non Freezing Temperatures

Hepatocyte monolayers were preserved under a gelatin overlay at 10°C. Morphological changes were observed after 4 days, as structure less areas at the cell periphery. The changes could be prevented by adding sucrose (0.05M) to the gel. Cell viability remained high for 7 days. Cell spreading occurred rapidly when the cells were reactivated. Basal enzyme levels were maintained during the preservation period. The hormonal induction of tyrosine aminotransferase was stable for 4 days but declined subsequently. Sucrose addition extended the period of preservation where induction was evident. The method provides a robust system that allows preservation in the absence of potentially deleterious chemicals. Time is allowed to send cells anywhere in the World in a no spill format whist arriving at their destination as if freshly produced.