Encapsulated liver cell composition

A method for introducing liver cells into a subject in need thereof comprising:

• administering microcapsules comprising a capsule shell encapsulating a suspension of liver cells embedded in a biocompatible matrix with erythropoietin into a subject in need thereof, wherein the concentration of liver cells in the suspension is 104 to 108 liver cells/ml and the concentration of erythropoietin in the suspension is 10−7 to 10−2 U/ml, wherein the administering step occurs by parenteral administration of said microcapsules under the liver capsule, into the liver, into the liver pulp, into the splenic artery, or into the portal vein of the subject, and wherein the erythropoietin maintains ATP/ADP ratios at an increased rate in said liver cells as compared to liver cells identically capsulated except without said erythropoietin.