Preservation, induction or incorporation of metabolism into the in vitro cellular system − Views to current opportunities and limitations

► Metabolic capability is needed in in vitro systems for improving in vivo relevance. ► Bioreactors produce metabolites for target exposure. ► Preservation by appropriate culture conditions enhance metabolic competence. ► Incorporation by genomic techniques restore metabolism in otherwise deficient cells. ► Stem cell-derived hepatocytes will guarantee unlimited supply of competent cells.