Abstract: The present invention describes an efficient and rapid protocol to generate hepatocyte cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). According to the method, the iPS cells can be differentiated into functional hepatocyte cells in a short time course (less than 15-20 days). The iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells of the invention have a similar gene expression profile to mature hepatocytes. Moreover, the iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells is proved to rescue lethal fulminant hepatic failure in a non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient mouse model. The rapid and efficient differentiation protocol for generation of iPSC-derived hepatocyte cells may offer an alternative option for treatment of liver diseases.

Abstract: A gas supply apparatus for introducing gases to a process chamber of a PECVD system is provided. The gas supply apparatus includes a gas inlet tube, a process gas pipe, a cleaning gas pipe, a remote plasma source (RPS) and a variable valve. The RPS is connected with a cleaning gas source, and the cleaning gas pipe is connected between the gas inlet tube and the RPS for introducing a cleaning gas from the RPS to the gas inlet tube. The process gas pipe is connected between the gas inlet tube and a process gas source for introducing a process gas to the gas inlet tube. The variable valve is installed in the gas inlet tube for closing a passage between the cleaning gas pipe and the gas inlet tube to prevent the process gas entering the cleaning gas pipe when the process gas is introduced to the process chamber.