Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing an expanded non-transformed cell culture of human liver cells comprising the steps of: (1) preparing partially purified, minced human liver tissue, (2) concentrating the resulting cells and tissue pieces, (3) resuspending the concentrated tissue cells and pieces in a growth medium, (4) culturing the resuspended cells in the growth medium for a time and under conditions to effect sustained cell division, and (5) passaging the cultured human liver cells periodically to expand the culture. The growth medium comprises a combination of a basal medium and ingredients to provide a medium in which the cultured human liver cells are selectively proliferated without being transformed, providing an expanded culture of proliferated, functionally differentiated human liver cells that is substantially free of fibroblast, macrophage and capillary endothelial cells.