Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hepatocytes and Other Liver Cells

Our extensive range of cryopreserved human primary liver cells includes plateable hepatocytes, suspension hepatocytes from single and pooled donors, and spheroid-qualified hepatocytes for 3D cell culture applications. We also offer various other liver cells including Stellate cells, Sinusoidal Endothelial cells Kupffer cells, and Cholangiocytes. For further information on cell characterization and recommended media formulations, please refer to the user guides on the individual product pages.

Discover answers to your frequently asked questions about our hepatocyte and other liver cell collection from our scientists.

What types of human hepatocytes do you offer?

We offer a diverse range of cryo-preserved human hepatocytes, including plateable, mixed-gender pooled (10 or 20 donors), and single donor suspension hepatocytes, as well as hepatocytes that are qualified for 3D spheroid formation. Our collection of normal human primary hepatocytes is sourced from various donors.

We also offer diverse pack sizes for our hepatocytes to accommodate different research needs, and our plateable hepatocytes collection includes validated cells for small volume applications within 96-well plates.

What additional types of human liver cells do you provide, apart from hepatocytes?

We offer Stellate cells, Kupffer cells, Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial cells (LSEC), and Intrahepatic Biliary Epithelial cells (Cholangiocytes) to cater to various research needs.

Where can I find characterization information for hepatocyte products?

You can find characterization information for our hepatocyte products here, as well as insights into the collection’s key attributes and performance characteristics.

Are there Safety Data Sheets and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for your hepatocyte products?

Yes, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for our hepatocyte products are available. You can access them from the individual product pages.

Are your clinical samples collected in accordance with ethical and regulatory standards?

Yes, all our clinical samples have obtained approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). Full documentation is available upon request, including informed consent forms.

Can you provide information about the human donors from whom the hepatocytes are prepared?

Yes, we provide extensive donor information including age, sex, race, diabetic status, smoking history, alcohol use, and any co-morbidities. HLA typing can also be provided for some of the cryo-plateable hepatocytes. Request more information to learn more.

Which human pathogens are the liver cells screened for? What quality checks have been performed on a batch?

All the liver cells are being tested for HIV, HCV, HBV, and syphilis. Each lot is tested for post-thawing viability and functional assays as indicated by user guide found on the individual product pages.

Is it possible to reserve specific inventory lots while I conduct preliminary tests?

Yes. However, lot specific reservation orders are not able to be placed over the web. Please contact your local sales rep for more specific details.

Can I request cells by donor specific criteria?

Yes, however lot specific orders for donor specific criteria cannot be placed through the web. Please contact your local sales rep for further details.

What is your thawing procedure and media for plateable hepatocytes?

Please refer to this protocol for instructions on thawing, plating, and culturing plateable hepatocytes. The protocol also details plating and maintenance media formulations. 

How can I improve human hepatocyte viability?

Upon receipt, immediately store cryovial or cryovials in vapor phase liquid nitrogen. Cryopreserved human primary hepatocytes are typically viable for at least 5 years when stored in these conditions. Once the vial or vials have been thawed (refer to user guide for protocols for each individual cell type), immediately perform trypan blue count and plate the cells. 

Will these cells work in my 3D culture applications?

Only our spheroid-qualified hepatocytes (HLP104-4M) should be used for spheroid or other 3D cell culture applications. Not all primary human hepatocytes will work in spheroid and 3D cell culture applications, as there is a donor-to-donor variability in the ability of hepatocytes to form spheroids.

What is your thawing procedure and media for spheroid formation with hepatocytes?

Please refer to this protocol for spheroid-qualified hepatocytes for further information regarding thawing, plating, and culturing spheroid-qualified hepatocytes. The protocol also describes media formulations for culturing spheroid-qualified hepatocytes.

Do you offer several cell types from the same donor as hepatocytes?

Yes, we offer matched sets of Kupffer cells, Stellate cells, and Cholangiocytes from the same donor as Hepatocytes.  In some cases, we can also offer donor matched PBMCs. Lot specific orders cannot be placed on the web. Please contact your local sales rep for more details.