Equipment and methods for medical or health products infused with oxygen and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation systems using microporous hollow fiber membranes
The use of Teflon® or polyethylene microporous hollow fiber membranes in a gas infusion module addresses inefficiencies in gas infusion by ensuring bubble-free gas transfer, resulting in high-quality products with enhanced therapeutic benefits and safety.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/US2025/031943
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-06-04
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-11
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Figure US2025031943_11122025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
EQUIPMENT AND METHODS FOR MEDICAL OR HEALTH PRODUCTS INFUSED WITH OXYGEN AND EXTRACORPOREAL MEMBRANE OXYGENATION SYSTEMS USING MICROPOROUS HOLLOW FIBER MEMBRANESINCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 655764, filed June 4, 2024.BACKGROUNDField
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a gas infusion module and manufacturing system and process, and more particularly to a hollow fiber membrane module for dissolving gases in a bubble-free manner into water, aqueous solutions, liquids, gels or hydrogels for the manufacturing of medical, cosmetic, personal care, veterinarian or animal care or wellness products. The present disclosure also relates to medical devices and methods for oxygenating biological and artificial fluids.SUMMARY
[0003] In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, a Teflon® or polyethylene or similar microporous hollow fiber gas infusion module is provided, and a process designed for infusing high concentrations of several different gases including, without limitation, oxygen, ozone and / or carbon dioxide into liquids for the purpose of manufacturing or producing medical, cosmetic, personal care, veterinarian or animal care or wellness products.The system can also utilize one or more gas infusion modules to infuse ozone to sterilize manufacturing systems, which may help to achieve industry required sterile manufacturing processes and products.
[0004] In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an oxygenation system that integrates hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE and / or Teflon®) microporous hollow fiber membranes to facilitate oxygen infusion into a variety of biological and manmade fluids is provided. These super-oxygenated fluids can be suitable for numerous medical applications, including without limitation: cancer treatments, leukemia & other diseases of the blood, for sterile fluid surgical irrigation during surgery, oxygenated blood infusion for heart transplant & heart surgery processes, other transplant surgeries to keep organ tissue alive for burn patients, wounds, diabetic ulcers or wounds of the dermis or other tissue, infections, neonatal and pediatric conditions, or pulmonary compression injuries. The system can ensure that high levels of dissolved oxygen are achieved without increasing the total gas pressure, thereby significantly reducing the potential for gas emboli.
[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE and / or Teflon®) microporous hollow fiber membranes can be used in an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or similar system. This system can be designed to infuse oxygen into blood, plasma, platelets, red blood cells, or other biological fluids, as well as man-made fluids, for the treatment of health-compromised, surgical, or trauma subjects. The fluids can be administered via various routes, including topical, transcutaneous, subcutaneous, intradermal, intraperitoneal, intravenous, by irrigation, or orally, to maintain adequate oxygen levels in humans, animals, or other living organisms.
[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a gas infusion system for manufacturing health and wellness products, including: a gas infusion module including a gas inlet, a liquid inlet, and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers disposed within the gas infusion module; a mixer; and a bottle filler, wherein the gas infusion module is configured to receive a liquid via the liquid inlet to flow between and along the plurality of microporous hollow fibers, wherein a gas can flow into the plurality of microporous hollow fibers via the gas inlet so that the gas flows along the microporous hollow fibers and exits the microporous hollow fibers via the micropores so that the liquid flowing between and along the plurality of microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas, and wherein the gas infusedliquid can pass through the mixer to be mixed with one or more ingredients and exit towards the bottle filler to be filled into one or more bottles.
[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of infusing a liquid with a gas for manufacturing health and wellness products, including: flowing a liquid into a gas infusion module; flowing a gas into the gas infusion module via a gas inlet on the gas infusion module and into a plurality of microporous hollow fibers via openings thereof, the gas flowing along a length of the microporous hollow fibers and out of micropores of the microporous hollow fibers to infuse the liquid flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers with gas; flowing the gas infused liquid through a mixer to be mixed with one or more ingredients; and flowing the liquid to a bottle filler to be filled into one or more bottles.
[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a gas infusion system for gas infusion in biological and artificial fluids, including: a pump; an infuser including a gas inlet and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers, the infuser disposed in a connector configured to be interposed between and coupled to a first conduit and a second conduit; and a heat exchanger, wherein the pump is configured to pump a liquid through the connector so that the liquid passes through apertures in a housing of the infuser, and wherein the microporous hollow fibers are configured to receive the gas via the gas inlet so that the gas flows along the fibers and exits the fibers via micropores thereof so that the liquid flowing through the connector is infused with the gas, and wherein the gas infused liquid can pass through the heat exchanger to be heated.
[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for infusing biological or artificial fluids with gas, including: pumping a liquid into an infuser including a gas inlet and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers, the infuser disposed in a connector interposed between and coupled to a first conduit and a second conduit through which the liquid is pumped, the liquid passing through apertures in a housing of the infuser; flowing a gas into the infuser via a gas inlet of the infuser and into the plurality of microporous hollow fibers in the infuser, the gas flowing along a length of the microporous hollow fibers and out of micropores thereof to infuse the fluid flowing through the connector with the gas; and flowing the gas infused liquid through a heat exchanger.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a gas infusion system (e.g., gel mixing pot infusion system with bottler).
[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a biological fluid infusion system.
[0012] Figure 3A is an end view of a pipe connector with a gas infusion module.
[0013] Figure 3B is a schematic view of the pipe connector of FIG. 3 A connected to two pipes.
[0014] Figure 3C is a partial side view of a gas infusion module.
[0015] Figure 3D is a top perspective view of the gas infusion module of FIG. 3C.
[0016] Figure 3E is a bottom perspective view of the gas infusion module of FIG.3C.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONMedical or Health Focused Products Infused with Oxygen or other Nutrient Gases
[0017] Figure 1 shows a diagram of an example gas infusion system 100, which can be used for infusing one or more liquids with one or more gases for producing medical and / or health focused products. The system 100 can include a pump 102, which can pump liquid (e.g., water, a gel, etc.) from a liquid source 101 (e.g., a purified water tank) to an infuser unit 104 (e.g., one or more gas infusion modules). A gas source 106 can deliver (e.g., via a regulator 114 and / or a rotameter 116) a gas (e g., oxygen, ozone, etc.) to the infuser unit 104 via a gas inlet on the gas infuser unit 104. The infuser unit 104 can include a microporous hollow fiber membrane via which the gas (e.g., oxygen) can be transferred to (e.g., infused into) the liquid (e.g., water) flowing through the infuser unit 104 (e.g., one or more gas infusion modules). The infuser unit 104 can have a vent 120 via which gas can be vented (e g., gas in the liquid that is displaced by the gas injected from the gas source 106). The gas infused liquid (e.g., oxygenated water) can exit the infuser unit 104 and flow to a mixer 108 (e.g., via a valve), where it can be mixed with other solutions, materials, and / or additional gas from the gas source 106, and the mixture can then flow to a bottle filler 112 where the mixture can be filled into bottles 113 for use. The mixer 108 can provide or mix any of the ingredients, materials, substances, or compounds needed to produce any of the formulations and / or applications described herein. For example and without limitation, the solutions and / or materials caninclude chemicals, vitamins, supplements, plant extracts, peptides, oils, exfoliants, fragrances, colorants, juices, and more. The bottle filler 112 can be a machine capable of loading (e.g., pouring) the gas infused liquid into the one or more bottles 113. The system 100 can include a programmable logic computer (PLC) 110 for controlling the operation of the system 100 (e g., controlling the pump 102, the rotameter 116, the regulator 114, valves, etc.).
[0018] The Teflon® microporous hollow fiber gas infusion module can efficiently dissolve gas (e.g., oxygen and / or ozone, other gas) into aqueous streams or infuse water with gas (e.g., ozone) to sterilize a manufacturing system. It can include a first pipe with a liquid inlet located at its top (e.g., proximal) end or portion for receiving a fluid source, which can include water. The gas infusion module can include a gas inlet in fluid connection with a gas source, which can allow for the introduction of gas (e.g., oxygen and / or ozone, other gas) into the system. The module can include a gas infusion component, for example one or more (e.g., a plurality of) Teflon® microporous hollow fibers. These fibers can serve as conduits for the gas-liquid interface, enabling the transfer of gas (e.g., oxygen and / or ozone) molecules from the gas phase into the liquid phase (e.g., bubbleless infusion of the liquid with the gas). A second pipe, positioned at the module's bottom (e.g., distal) end or portion, can include an outlet for the fluid flow, which may facilitate the exit of the gas infused (e.g., oxygenated and / or ozonated) liquid from the system 100. Further details on microporous hollow fiber membrane modules can be found in PCT Application Nos. PCT / US2025 / 029373, filed May 14, 2025, and PCT / US2025 / 030449, filed May 21, 2025, and details on methods of making them can be found in PCT Publication No. WO 2024 / 097525filed 10 / 16 / 2023, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and which should be considered a part of this specification.
[0019] Each of the fibers (in any of the gas infusion modules disclosed herein) can be a microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber with a plurality of micropores having a pore size of between about 0.01 pm and 5 pm, inclusive (e.g., 0.01 pm, 0.1 pm, 0.5 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm), which can advantageously facilitate bubbleless gas transfer into the liquid (e.g., to supersaturate the liquid with the gas), which can make the gas infusion process more efficient and inhibit or prevent loss of gas via bubbles. Each fiber can in some examples have an outer diameter of about 0.54 mm and inner diameter of about 0.35 mm (e.g., wall thickness of about 190 mm), or an outer diameter of about 0.54 mm and inner diameter of about 0.45mm (e.g., wall thickness of about 0.095 mm), or an outer diameter of about 0.35 mm and an inner diameter of about 0.28 mm (e.g., wall thickness of about 0.070 mm), or any value, approximate value, or range of values within any of the foregoing ranges. The fibers can be made of a material (e.g., polyethylene or polypropylene) that is water repellent. In one example, the fibers have a porosity of between 50% and 90%, such as 75%, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. In one example, the gas infusion module has a packing factor of between about 20% and about 50%, such as about 38% (e.g., 38% of the space in the gas infusion module is taken up by the fibers), or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The number of fibers in the gas infusion module can be between about 700 and about 1500, such as about 1100, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. In some embodiments, the micropores can be positioned along 90% of the length of the fibers, or in a range from 80% or approximately 80% to 100% the length of the fibers, or from 60% or approximately 60% to 100% or approximately 100% the length of the fibers, or from 40% or approximately 40% to 100% or approximately 100% the length of the fibers, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. Each of the fibers can be microporous and / or hollow and can extend (e.g., linearly) within the gas infusion module. Any of the gas infusion modules disclosed herein can achieve gas transfer efficiency rates at or above 90%, or in a range from 85% or approximately 85% to 95% or approximately 95%, or from 80% or approximately 80% to 100% or approximately 100%, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges.
[0020] Manufacturing equipment and methods for the production of oxygen and / or nutrient gas-infused products, with a focus on precise gas infusion techniques, are disclosed herein. The manufacturing process can include a gas infusion module with microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes, which may include materials such as but not limited to Teflon® and / or polyethylene. These membranes can enable controlled gas transfer, facilitating the infusion of gases such as but not limited to O2, O3, or CO2 into a diverse range of product formulations. The technology may provide versatility, allowing for the ability to manufacture numerous new products or enhance products that already exist on the market for applications in medical, cosmetic, personal care, and wellness sectors. By targeting specific microbial pathogens, including aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and accommodating multiple applicationmodalities, this approach can provide comprehensive therapeutic efficacy and safety. With its emphasis on precision engineering and advanced gas control mechanisms, this technology represents a significant advancement in the development of next-generation therapeutic and cosmetic formulations.
[0021] In one embodiment, a system for generating oxygenated or ozonated water, aqueous solutions, liquids, gels or hydrogels or product formulas is provided. This system can include a Teflon® microporous membrane with a precisely engineered pore channel diameter ranging between 0.5 mm and 0.54 mm, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range. The channel pore diameter can facilitate efficient gas transfer while reducing resistance to fluid flow. Water can be pumped through the gas infusion module (e.g., the gas infusion module 104) at an internal pressure varying from 15psi to 200psi, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing range, depending on the specific application requirements. The high-pressure environment can enhance the dissolution of oxygen or ozone into the liquid, achieving supersaturated levels equal to or exceeding 20 ppm, or in a range from 10 ppm or approximately 10 ppm to 30 ppm or approximately 30ppm, or from Ippm or approximately 1 ppm to 100 ppm or approximately Ippm, or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges. The system may include an ultraviolet (UV) light sterilization unit inline, in which UV light can be applied or directed to the liquid to sterilize the liquid. The liquid can pass through the UV light sterilization unit before or after being infused with gas (e.g., in the gas infusion module 104). The resulting gas infused (e.g., oxygenated and / or ozonated) liquid can pass from the gas infusion system into a pressurized mixing vessel (e.g., mixer 108) where the gas infused liquid can be mixed with formulation ingredients, for example, under pressure in a pure single gas environment of the gas that was also mixed into the liquid or product formula. Once the gas infused mixing of the formula is completed, it can be pumped (e.g., under laminar flow conditions) to a fdling and caping machine (e.g., bottle fdler 112) for fding into the final product or package (e.g., bottles 113). The system can be controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) (e.g., PLC 110).Features of Microporous Hollow Fiber Membranes:1. Pore Size and Distribution: The membranes can include precise micropores that can facilitate rapid gas diffusion in a bubble-free manner, while maintaining thedissolved gas in solution with limited loss of the gas to the atmosphere or the product packaging process.2. Hydrophobicity: The fibers can include hydrophobic surface properties, which may ensure minimal water uptake into the fibers, maintaining consistent gas transfer rates and product stability.3. Material Selection: The choice of materials, which can include, without limitation, Teflon® and / or polyethylene, can provide compatibility with various gases and product formulations, while mitigating risks of chemical interaction, product contamination or degradation of the microporous fibers.4. Bubble-Free Gas Transfer & Manufacturing in a Closed Loop Pressurized System: The pressurized closed loop continuous manufacturing process can allow for the high transfer rate efficiency and the bubble-free gas transfer process that creates highly effective finished products.Gas Source Selection and Control:
[0022] The manufacturing process can offer flexibility in gas selection, with options including, without limitation, oxygen (Ch), ozone (O3), carbon dioxide (CO2), and other nutrient gases. Precise control mechanisms can govern gas flow rates, pressures, and / or compositions, which can ensure reproducible infusion profiles and product consistency. Safety features can be integrated to monitor and regulate gas concentrations, reducing risks associated with overexposure or gas leakage.Product Formulation and Applications:
[0023] The versatility of the manufacturing process can extend to a diverse array of product formulations, addressing critical needs in medical, cosmetic, personal care, and wellness sectors. Examples include, without limitation:1. Medical, Health & Dental Applications:• Oxygen-infused wound healing gels or creams for accelerated tissue regeneration and enhanced wound closure.• Oxygen-infused products for bums, trauma, abrasions, post cancer radiation treatment, surgical and post-surgical treatments.Oxygen-enriched dietary supplements or drinks to support recovery and vitality.Oxygen-based nasal sprays or inhalers for respiratory support and nasal congestion relief.Oxygen-based diabetic wound healing products.Oxygen-based eyecare products.2. Cosmetic Formulations:Oxygen-infused facial cleansers or toners for deep pore cleansing and skin revitalization.Oxygenating masks or peels to promote detoxification and skin health.Oxygen-enriched products for reduction of inflammation of post dermal treatment issues, scar reduction, and anti-aging.Oxygenating makeup primers or foundations for a flawless and radiant complexion.Oxygen-rich skincare formulations for inflammatory conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema.Oxygenating Sun Care and After Sun Care products.3. Personal Care Products:Oxygenated bath additives for therapeutic bathing experiences.Oxygen-infused body lotions, serums, creams or mists to treat skin.Oxygenating foot treatments to alleviate fatigue and enhance foot health.Oxygen-enriched deodorants or antiperspirants for odor protection.Oxygenating mouthwashes or oral rinses for oral hygiene periodontal care and oral treatment after-care and gum health.4. Wellness Solutions:Oxygenated spa treatments or massage oils for relaxation and stress relief.Oxygen-infused aromatherapy blends for respiratory support and mood enhancement.Oxygen-based dietary supplements or superfoods for enhanced energy and vitality.Oxygen-enriched sports drinks or recovery beverages for optimal performance and muscle recuperation.Targeted Aerobic and Anaerobic Treatment:
[0024] The manufacturing process can cater to specific microbial targets, addressing both / either aerobic and / or anaerobic bacteria effectively. Aerobic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae can be targeted using oxygen-infused formulations, which may promote microbial inhibition and wound healing. Conversely, anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium perfringens, Bacteroides fragilis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia necessitate anaerobic conditions or products for effective treatment, ensuring comprehensive microbial control across diverse clinical scenarios.Application Modalities:
[0025] The manufactured products may accommodate various application modalities, including without limitation topical, transcutaneous, subcutaneous, intra-dermal, intra-peritoneal, intravenous, and oral administration routes. This versatility can enable tailored interventions for humans, animals, and other living organisms, addressing multifaceted health and wellness needs with precision and efficacy.
[0026] Advantageously, the gas infusion system described herein can facilitate the infusion of gases such as but not limited to oxygen, ozone and / or carbon dioxide into a diverse range of product formulations (e.g., in medical, cosmetic, personal care, and wellness sectors). By targeting specific microbial pathogens, including aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and accommodating multiple application modalities, this approach can provide comprehensive therapeutic efficacy and safety. With its emphasis on precision engineering and advanced gas control mechanisms, this technology represents a significant advancement in the development of next-generation therapeutic and cosmetic formulations.Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation System for Oxygen Infusion in Biological and Artificial Fluids
[0027] Figure 2 shows a diagram of an example biological fluid infusion system 200. A pump 202 can pump a fluid (e.g., a biological fluid) from a fluid inlet 201 to an infuser314 (e ., an inline microporous hollow fiber infuser, such as made of Teflon®). A gas (e.g., oxygen) source 206 can deliver a gas to a gas blender 208 (e.g., where the gas can optionally be blended with other gases). The gas can exit the gas blender 208 and can be directed to the infuser 314, where the biological fluid flowing (inline) through the infuser 314 can be infused with the gas (e g., with oxygen). In some embodiments, the gas source 206 delivers gas to the infuser 314. In one example, the infuser 314 can be disposed inside a pipe saddle or pipe connector 300 that can connect to other tubing and can be in-line with the tube via which the biological fluid flows. The infuser 314 can have a vent via which gas can be vented (e.g., gas in the fluid that is displaced by the gas injected from the gas blender 208). The gas infused biological fluid (e.g., or other liquid) can pass to a heat exchanger 210 and can be discharged via a tube (e.g., via a cannula tubing), for example into a human body (e.g., if infusing blood with oxygen, surgical irrigation fluid, cancer therapies, etc ). The system 200 can include a programmable logic computer (PLC) for controlling the operation of the system 200 (e.g., controlling the pump, etc.). In some embodiments, the infuser 204 can be or include a gas infusion module, which can include a plurality of microporous hollow fibers.
[0028] Figure 3 A shows a pipe connector 300 (or pipe saddle) that can connect (e.g., be interposed) between two pipes (e.g., pipes Pl, P2, as shown in FIG. 3B), for example in a threaded manner, a press-fit manner, or via other suitable mechanisms (e.g., clamps, welds, adhesive). The pipe connector 300 can have a tube portion 311 with a circular opening 312 or passage, the tube portion 311 disposed in line with the two pipes Pl, P2. In one example, the opening 312 can have a 2 inch diameter. In other examples, the opening 312 can have other suitable diameters. The pipe connector 310 can include a gas infusion module 314 that extends into the opening 312 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the opening 312). In one example, the gas infusion module 314 extends partway (e.g. midway, 1 / 4 of the way, 1 / 3 of the way, 2 / 3 of the way, 3 / 4 of the way) into the opening 312. In another example, the gas infusion module 314 extends entirely across the opening 312 (e.g., across a diameter of the opening 312). The gas infusion module 314 has a plurality of openings 315 (or apertures) in a housing 316 via which a liquid flowing through the connector 300 (e.g., flowing through the pipes Pl, P2 and the connector 300) is infused with a gas (e.g., oxygen, other gas). The openings 315 can, in one example, be in an array disposed circumferentially about the housing 316 (e.g., about a central axis of the housing 316). In one example, the openings 315 can havea diameter of about 5 / 32 inches (4 mm); however, the openings 315 can have other sizes (e.g., 8 mm, 6 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm). In one example, the size of the openings 315 can provide a desired pressure drop across the gas infusion module 314). The pipe connector 300 can have a gas connector 321 via which a gas source (e.g., oxygen source 206) can be connected to the pipe connector 300 to supply the module 314 with said gas (e.g., oxygen). Further details on the structure of the gas in fusion module 314 is described below.
[0029] Figures 3C-3E show features of the gas infusion module 314. The module 314 includes a plurality of fibers 317 with ends (proximal ends) attached to (e.g., embedded in) a cap 318 (e.g., an epoxy cap) so that the fibers extend through the cap 318 (e.g., openings of the fibers 317 are defined on a surface of the cap 318). The gas infusion module 314 extends transverse (e.g., perpendicular) to a central axis of the tube portion 311. The cap 318 is recessed relative to one end 301 (e.g., a proximal end) in the housing 316 to define a chamber 319 in the housing 316 adjacent the cap 318. The fibers 317 are arranged about (e.g., bundled about) a tube 320 that extends within the housing 316. As shown in FIG. 3E, the opposite ends of the fibers 317 at the opposite end 302 (e.g., a distal end) of the housing 316 are free (e.g., not embedded in a cap). Each of the fibers 317 can be a microporous hydrophobic hollow fiber with a plurality of micropores 313 having a pore size of between about 0.01 pm and 5 pm, inclusive (e.g., 0.01 pm, 0.1 pm, 0.5 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, 5 pm), which advantageously facilitates bubbleless gas transfer into the liquid (e.g., to supersaturate the liquid with the gas), making the gas infusion process more efficient and inhibiting or preventing loss of gas via bubbles. For illustrative purposes, one pore 313 is identified in FIG. 3C, but one of skill in the art will recognize that each fiber 317 has a multitude of pores 313 along its length. Each fiber 317 can in some examples have an outer diameter of about 0.54 mm and inner diameter of about 0.35 mm (e.g., wall thickness of 190 mm). In another example, each fiber 317 can have an outer diameter of about 0.54 mm and inner diameter of about 0.45 mm (e.g., wall thickness of about 0.095 mm). In another example, the fibers 317 can have an outer diameter of about 0.35 mm and an inner diameter of about 0.28 mm (e.g., wall thickness of 0.070 mm). The fibers 317 can be made from polyethylene or polypropylene, both of which are water repellent. In one example, the fibers 317 have a porosity of between 50% and 90%, such as 75%. In one example, the gas infusion module has a packing factor of between about 20% and about 50%, such as about 38% (e.g., 38% of the space in the housing16 is taken up by the fibers 317). The number of fibers 317 in the housing 316 can be between about 700 and about 1500, such as about 1100. The fibers 317 can have a length of between about 1 inch and about 8 inches, such as 5 inches.
[0030] In operation, following attachment or coupling of the connector 300 to the pipes Pl, P2, a liquid flow can be flowed through the pipes Pl, P2 and connector 300 so that it passes through the openings 315 in the housing 316 of the gas infusion module 314. A gas (e.g., oxygen) is supplied via the gas connector 321 and passes into the chamber 319 in the housing 316 and therefrom through the openings of each of the fibers 317 in the cap 318. The gas flows through each of the fibers 317 and then passes out of the fibers 317 through the pores 313 and into the flowing liquid to infuse said flowing liquid with the gas. Advantageously, the connector 300 provides in-line gas infusion of a liquid flowing along pipes (such as pipes Pl, P2). Further details on microporous hollow fiber membrane modules and pipe saddles or pipe connectors can be found in PCT Application No. PCT / US2025 / 027735filed 5 / 07 / 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and which should be considered a part of this specification.
[0031] The Teflon® microporous hollow fiber gas infusion module can efficiently dissolve gas (e.g., oxygen and / or ozone) into liquid (e.g., biological fluid, aqueous streams, etc.) or for using gas infused liquid (e.g., ozone infused water) to sterilize the system. The module can include a gas infusion component composed of one or more (e g., a plurality) PTFE (Teflon®) microporous hollow fibers. These fibers can serve as conduit for the gas-liquid interface, enabling the transfer of gas (e.g., oxygen or ozone) molecules from the gas phase into the liquid phase.Features of PTFE Microporous Hollow Fiber Membranes;
[0032] 1. Pore Size and Distribution: The membranes can include precise micropores which may facilitate rapid gas diffusion in a bubble-free manner, while maintaining the dissolved gas in solution with limited loss of the gas to the atmosphere or the product packaging process.
[0033] 2. Hydrophobicity: The fibers may include hydrophobic surface properties which may ensure minimal water uptake into the fibers, maintaining consistent gas transfer rates and product stability.
[0034] 3. Material Selection: The fibers can be made of, without limitation,Teflon® and polyethylene, which may provide compatibility with various gases and product formulations, while mitigating risks of chemical interaction, product contamination or degradation of the microporous fibers.
[0035] 4. Bubble-Free Gas Transfer & Manufacturing in a Closed LoopPressurized System: The pressurized closed loop continuous manufacturing process can allow for the high transfer rate efficiency and the bubble-free gas transfer process that can create highly effective finished products.System Components:
[0036] A gas infusion system 200 can include one or more of any of the following components:- Cannulas: These can be large diameter tubes designed for insertion into the patient’s blood vessels, allowing for the extraction and return of blood. The size and type of cannula can be selected based on the patient’s size and the type of ECMO support being used (veno-venous or veno-arterial).- Blood Pump: This mechanical device, which can include a centrifugal or a roller pump, can be used to circulate blood through the ECMO circuit. Centrifugal pumps may be preferred due to their gentle handling of blood, reducing hemolysis.- Oxygen Infusion Membrane: The core component of the system, this membrane can include hydrophobic PTFE microporous hollow fibers. The membrane can facilitate gas exchange by allowing oxygen to diffuse into the blood and carbon dioxide to diffuse out of the blood or fluid.- Heat Exchanger: A device that can regulate the temperature of the blood, which may ensure that the blood is returned to the body at the appropriate temperature to prevent hypothermia or hyperthermia. For example, the heat exchanger 210 can heat the fluid to 98.6 °F or approximately 98.6 °F, or in a range from 98 °F or approximately 98 °F to 99 °F or approximately 99 °F, from 97 °F or approximately 97 °F to 100 °F or approximately 100 °F or any value, approximate value, or range of values within the foregoing ranges.- Circuit Tubing: Flexible, medical-grade tubes that can connect the various components of the system, creating a closed-loop circuit for blood to circulate.- Blender: This component can mix air and / or oxygen to create a precise gas mixture for the oxygenator, allowing for adjustments in the concentration of oxygen delivered to the blood.- Gas Supply: Can include, without limitation, a gas (e.g., oxygen) source, such as a gas cylinder or hospital supply line, which can provide the gas (e.g., oxygen) needed for the infuser. In some cases, carbon dioxide can be included for precise control of blood gases.- Pressure Monitors and Sensors: Devices that can measure and monitor the pressure within the ECMO circuit to ensure safe and effective blood flow, which may be used to detect any blockages, leaks, or pressure changes.- Flow Monitors and Sensors: These devices can measure the flow rate of blood through the ECMO circuit, which may ensure the pump is delivering the correct amount of blood per minute.- Air Bubble Detectors: Sensors that can detect the presence of air bubbles in the circuit, which can be dangerous if the air bubbles enter the patient’s bloodstream. The system may alerts the medical team if air is detected.- Safety Alarms and Backup Systems: These systems may provide alerts for various issues such as high or low pressure, oxygenator failure, pump malfunction, or other system irregularities.- Control Console: The user interface for the gas infusion machine, which can allow healthcare professionals to monitor and adjust various settings and parameters, such as but not limited to blood flow rate, temperature, and / or gas mixture.Applications;- Super-Oxygenated Fluids: The system disclosed herein can facilitate the production of sterile solutions, aqueous solutions, and / or gels that can be introduced to a living organism via various routes such as but not limited to transcutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, and / or oral application. These fluids can be super-oxygenated to provide medical support or therapeutic benefits.- Medical Treatments: The oxygenated fluids can be used in a variety of medical treatments, including, without limitation:- Cancer therapies, particularly for targeting hypoxic tumor environments.- Treatment of leukemia and other blood disorders.- Sterile fluid surgical irrigation during surgeries to maintain tissue viability and reduce infection risks.- Oxygenated blood infusion for heart transplant and heart surgery processes, ensuring adequate oxygenation of the transplanted organ.- Use in other transplant surgeries to keep organ tissues alive and functional.- Treatment of burn patients and wound care, enhancing healing processes by improving oxygen supply to damaged tissues.- Management of diabetic ulcers or other dermal wounds.- Treatment of infections, where oxygenation can enhance immune responses.- Care for neonatal and pediatric conditions requiring enhanced oxygenation.- Management of pulmonary compression injuries, where enhanced oxygenation can support respiratory function.Process for Oxygenating Fluids:- Oxygen Gas Supply: Oxygen can be supplied from a regulated source, such as but not limited to a gas cylinder or hospital oxygen supply line.- Dissolution into Fluid: A regulated amount of oxygen can be dissolved into the biological fluid, which may be sterile water, intravenous (IV) fluid, blood, or artificial blood. The process can involve maintaining optimal conditions for maximum dissolution efficiency without increasing the total gas pressure in the fluid.- Use of Oxygen Enriched Fluids: The oxygen-enriched biological fluid can then be utilized in various medical applications, including but not limited to direct infusion into the bloodstream or topical application for tissue oxygenation.
[0037] An extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or similar system that can include hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microporous hollow fiber membranes to infuse gas (e.g., oxygen) into biological and / or artificial fluids described herein has many advantages. This system can be used to maintain adequate oxygen levels in health- compromised, surgical, or trauma subjects by administering super-oxygenated fluids via topical, transcutaneous, subcutaneous, intradermal, intraperitoneal, intravenous, irrigation, or oral routes. The system can include cannulas, a blood pump, an oxygen infusion membrane, a heat exchanger, circuit tubing, a blender, a gas supply, pressure monitors and sensors, flow monitors and sensors, air bubble detectors, safety alarms, backup systems, and / or a controlconsole. The hydrophobic PTFE microporous hollow fiber membrane can improve oxygen transfer efficiency while reducing the risk of contamination of the hollow fiber of the gas transfer system by maintaining optimal conditions that do not increase total gas pressure. The oxygenated fluids produced by this system can be applicable in a wide range of medical treatments, including without limitation cancer therapy, surgical irrigation, organ transplantation, wound care, infection control, and / or neonatal and pediatric care. The invention can provide a significant advancement in the oxygenation of biological fluids, providing improved therapeutic outcomes and patient safety.Additional Embodiments
[0038] In examples of the present disclosure, a gas infusion system and method of operation may be in accordance with any of the following clauses:
[0039] Clause 1. A gas infusion system for manufacturing health and wellness products, comprising: a gas infusion module comprising a gas inlet, a liquid inlet, and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers disposed within the gas infusion module; a mixer; and a bottle filler, wherein the gas infusion module is configured to receive a liquid via the liquid inlet to flow between and along the plurality of microporous hollow fibers, wherein a gas can flow into the plurality of microporous hollow fibers via the gas inlet so that the gas flows along the microporous hollow fibers and exits the microporous hollow fibers via the micropores so that the liquid flowing between and along the plurality of microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas, and wherein the gas infused liquid can pass through the mixer to be mixed with one or more ingredients and exit towards the bottle filler to be filled into one or more bottles.
[0040] Clause 2. The gas infusion system of clause 1, wherein the liquid comprises water.
[0041] Clause 3. The gas infusion system of clause 1 or 2, wherein the gas comprises oxygen.
[0042] Clause 4. The gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the gas comprises ozone.
[0043] Clause 5. The gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the one or more ingredients comprise one or more ingredients for producing a health and wellness product.
[0044] Clause 6. The gas infusion system of clause 4, wherein the health and wellness product comprises one or more of a medical product, a dental product, a cosmetic formulation, a personal care product, and a wellness solution.
[0045] Clause 7. The gas infusion system of any preceding clause, further comprising a pump configured to pump the liquid from a liquid source into the gas infusion module.
[0046] Clause 8. The gas infusion system of any preceding clause, further comprising an ultraviolet light treatment unit configured to apply ultraviolet light to the gas infused liquid to sterilize the gas infused liquid.
[0047] Clause 9. The gas infusion system of any preceding clause, further comprising a gas source configured to deliver the gas to the gas infusion module via the gas inlet or to deliver the gas to the mixer.
[0048] Clause 10. The gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein each of the microporous hollow fibers have an inner diameter between 0.28 mm and 0.45 mm.
[0049] Clause 11. The gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers comprises a number of microporous hollow fibers between 700 and 1500.
[0050] Clause 12. The gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of microporous hollow fibers have porosity of 75% or greater.
[0051] Clause 13. The gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the fibers comprise Teflon®.
[0052] Clause 14. The gas infusion system of any preceding clause, wherein the liquid is pumped through the gas infusion module at an internal pressure equal to or between 15 psi and 200 psi.
[0053] Clause 15. A method of infusing a liquid with a gas for manufacturing health and wellness products, comprising: flowing a liquid into a gas infusion module; flowing a gas into the gas infusion module via a gas inlet on the gas infusion module and into a plurality of microporous hollow fibers via openings thereof, the gas flowing along a length of the microporous hollow fibers and out of micropores of the microporous hollow fibers to infuse the liquid flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers with gas; flowing the gasinfused liquid through a mixer to be mixed with one or more ingredients; and flowing the liquid to a bottle filler to be filled into one or more bottles.
[0054] Clause 16. The method of clause 15, further comprising flowing the gas infused liquid through an ultraviolet light treatment unit to be treated with ultraviolet light.
[0055] Clause 17. The method of clause 15 or 16, wherein flowing gas comprises flowing oxygen or ozone.
[0056] Clause 18. The method of any one of clauses 15-17, wherein flowing liquid comprises flowing water.
[0057] Clause 19. The method of any one of clauses 15-18, wherein the one or more ingredients comprise one or more ingredients for producing a health and wellness product.
[0058] Clause 20. The method of any one of clauses 15-19, wherein the microporous hollow fibers comprise Teflon®.
[0059] Clause 21. The method of any one of clauses 15-20, wherein the liquid is infused with at least 75% efficiency.
[0060] Clause 22. A gas infusion system for gas infusion in biological and artificial fluids, comprising: a pump; an infuser comprising a gas inlet and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers, the infuser disposed in a connector configured to be interposed between and coupled to a first conduit and a second conduit; and a heat exchanger, wherein the pump is configured to pump a liquid through the connector so that the liquid passes through apertures in a housing of the infuser, and wherein the microporous hollow fibers are configured to receive the gas via the gas inlet so that the gas flows along the fibers and exits the fibers via micropores thereof so that the liquid flowing through the connector is infused with the gas, and wherein the gas infused liquid can pass through the heat exchanger to be heated.
[0061] Clause 23. The gas infusion system of clause 22, wherein the liquid comprises a biological fluid.
[0062] Clause 24. The gas infusion system of clause 23, wherein the liquid comprises blood.
[0063] Clause 25. The gas infusion system of any one of clauses 22-24, wherein the liquid comprises a therapy fluid.
[0064] Clause 26. The gas infusion system of any one of clauses 22-25, wherein the liquid comprises water.
[0065] Clause 27. The gas infusion system of any one of clauses 22-26, wherein the gas comprises oxygen.
[0066] Clause 28. The gas infusion system of any one of clauses 22-27, further comprising a cannula configured to flow the gas infused liquid into a human body.
[0067] Clause 29. The gas infusion system of any one of clauses 22-28, further comprising a gas source configured to deliver gas to the infuser.
[0068] Clause 30. The gas infusion system of any one of clauses 22-29, further comprising a gas blender configured to blend the gas with one or more additional gasses to form a blended gas and to deliver the blended gas to the infuser.
[0069] Clause 31. The gas infusion system of any one of clauses 22-30, wherein the pump can pump the fluid from a human body.
[0070] Clause 32. The gas infusion system of any one of clauses 22-31, further comprising one or more cannulas for extracting blood and returning gas infused blood.
[0071] Clause 33. The gas infusion system of any one of clauses 22-32, further comprising a controller for controlling the pump and a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of the fluid.
[0072] Clause 34. A method for infusing biological or artificial fluids with gas, comprising: pumping a liquid into an infuser comprising a gas inlet and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers, the infuser disposed in a connector interposed between and coupled to a first conduit and a second conduit through which the liquid is pumped, the liquid passing through apertures in a housing of the infuser; flowing a gas into the infuser via a gas inlet of the infuser and into the plurality of microporous hollow fibers in the infuser, the gas flowing along a length of the microporous hollow fibers and out of micropores thereof to infuse the fluid flowing through the connector with the gas; and flowing the gas infused liquid through a heat exchanger.
[0073] Clause 35. The method of clause 34, further comprising flowing the gas infused liquid into a human body.
[0074] Clause 36. The method of clause 34 or 35, wherein pumping the liquid comprises pumping the fluid from a human body.
[0075] Clause 37. The method of any one of clauses 34-36, wherein pumping a liquid comprises pumping blood.
[0076] Clause 38. Th method of any one of clauses 34-37, wherein pumping a liquid comprises pumping a therapy fluid.
[0077] Clause 39. The method of any one of clauses 34-38, wherein pumping a liquid comprises pumping water.
[0078] Clause 40. The method of any one of clauses 34-39, further comprising one or more cannulas for extracting blood and returning gas infused blood.
[0079] Clause 41. The method of any one of clauses 34-40, wherein the gas comprises oxygen.
[0080] Clause 42. The method of any one of clauses 34-41, wherein the microporous hollow fibers comprise Teflon®.
[0081] Clause 43. The method of any one of clauses 34-42, wherein the liquid is infused with at least 75% efficiency.
[0082] Clause 44. The method of any one of clauses 34-43, wherein each of the plurality of microporous hollow fibers have porosity of 75% or greater.
[0083] Clause 45. The method of any one of clauses 34-44, further comprising measuring, via a pressure sensor, a pressure of the fluid.
[0084] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims.
[0085] Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (includingany accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
[0086] Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
[0087] Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and / or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.
[0088] For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
[0089] Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and / or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and / or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.
[0090] Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.
[0091] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10%of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees.
[0092] The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on thelanguage employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.
[0093] Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the devices described herein need not feature all of the objects, advantages, features and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those of skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the discussed devices.
Claims
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A gas infusion system for manufacturing health and wellness products, comprising: a gas infusion module comprising a gas inlet, a liquid inlet, and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers disposed within the gas infusion module; a mixer; and a bottle filler, wherein the gas infusion module is configured to receive a liquid via the liquid inlet to flow between and along the plurality of microporous hollow fibers, wherein a gas can flow into the plurality of microporous hollow fibers via the gas inlet so that the gas flows along the microporous hollow fibers and exits the microporous hollow fibers via the micropores so that the liquid flowing between and along the plurality of microporous hollow fibers is infused with the gas, and wherein the gas infused liquid can pass through the mixer to be mixed with one or more ingredients and exit towards the bottle filler to be filled into one or more bottles.
2. The gas infusion system of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises water.
3. The gas infusion system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the gas comprises oxygen.
4. The gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the gas comprises ozone.
5. The gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more ingredients comprise one or more ingredients for producing a health and wellness product.
6. The gas infusion system of claim 4, wherein the health and wellness product comprises one or more of a medical product, a dental product, a cosmetic formulation, a personal care product, and a wellness solution.
7. The gas infusion system of any preceding claim, further comprising a pump configured to pump the liquid from a liquid source into the gas infusion module.
8. The gas infusion system of any preceding claim, further comprising an ultraviolet light treatment unit configured to apply ultraviolet light to the gas infused liquid to sterilize the gas infused liquid.
9. The gas infusion system of any preceding claim, further comprising a gas source configured to deliver the gas to the gas infusion module via the gas inlet or to deliver the gas to the mixer.
10. The gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the microporous hollow fibers have an inner diameter between 0.28 mm and 0.45 mm.
11. The gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of microporous hollow fibers comprises a number of microporous hollow fibers between 700 and 1500.
12. The gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein each of the plurality of microporous hollow fibers have porosity of 75% or greater.
13. The gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the fibers comprise Teflon®.
14. The gas infusion system of any preceding claim, wherein the liquid is pumped through the gas infusion module at an internal pressure equal to or between 15 psi and 200 psi.
15. A method of infusing a liquid with a gas for manufacturing health and wellness products, comprising: flowing a liquid into a gas infusion module; flowing a gas into the gas infusion module via a gas inlet on the gas infusion module and into a plurality of microporous hollow fibers via openings thereof, the gas flowing along a length of the microporous hollow fibers and out of micropores of the microporous hollow fibers to infuse the liquid flowing between and along the microporous hollow fibers with gas; flowing the gas infused liquid through a mixer to be mixed with one or more ingredients; and flowing the liquid to a bottle filler to be filled into one or more bottles.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising flowing the gas infused liquid through an ultraviolet light treatment unit to be treated with ultraviolet light.
17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein flowing gas comprises flowing oxygen or ozone.
18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein flowing liquid comprises flowing water.
19. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein the one or more ingredients comprise one or more ingredients for producing a health and wellness product.
20. The method of any one of claims 15-19, wherein the microporous hollow fibers comprise Teflon®.
21. The method of any one of claims 15-20, wherein the liquid is infused with at least 75% efficiency.
22. A gas infusion system for gas infusion in biological and artificial fluids, comprising: a pump; an infuser comprising a gas inlet and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers, the infuser disposed in a connector configured to be interposed between and coupled to a first conduit and a second conduit; and a heat exchanger, wherein the pump is configured to pump a liquid through the connector so that the liquid passes through apertures in a housing of the infuser, and wherein the microporous hollow fibers are configured to receive the gas via the gas inlet so that the gas flows along the fibers and exits the fibers via micropores thereof so that the liquid flowing through the connector is infused with the gas, and wherein the gas infused liquid can pass through the heat exchanger to be heated.
23. The gas infusion system of claim 22, wherein the liquid comprises a biological fluid.
24. The gas infusion system of claim 23, wherein the liquid comprises blood.
25. The gas infusion system of any one of claims 22-24, wherein the liquid comprises a therapy fluid.
26. The gas infusion system of any one of claims 22-25, wherein the liquid comprises water.
27. The gas infusion system of any one of claims 22-26, wherein the gas comprises oxygen.
28. The gas infusion system of any one of claims 22-27, further comprising a cannula configured to flow the gas infused liquid into a human body.
29. The gas infusion system of any one of claims 22-28, further comprising a gas source configured to deliver gas to the infuser.
30. The gas infusion system of any one of claims 22-29, further comprising a gas blender configured to blend the gas with one or more additional gasses to form a blended gas and to deliver the blended gas to the infuser.
31. The gas infusion system of any one of claims 22-30, wherein the pump can pump the fluid from a human body.
32. The gas infusion system of any one of claims 22-31, further comprising one or more cannulas for extracting blood and returning gas infused blood.
33. The gas infusion system of any one of claims 22-32, further comprising a controller for controlling the pump and a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of the fluid.
34. A method for infusing biological or artificial fluids with gas, comprising: pumping a liquid into an infuser comprising a gas inlet and a plurality of microporous hollow fibers, the infuser disposed in a connector interposed between and coupled to a first conduit and a second conduit through which the liquid is pumped, the liquid passing through apertures in a housing of the infuser; flowing a gas into the infuser via a gas inlet of the infuser and into the plurality of microporous hollow fibers in the infuser, the gas flowing along a length of the microporous hollow fibers and out of micropores thereof to infuse the fluid flowing through the connector with the gas; and flowing the gas infused liquid through a heat exchanger.
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising flowing the gas infused liquid into a human body.
36. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein pumping the liquid comprises pumping the fluid from a human body.
37. The method of any one of claims 34-36, wherein pumping a liquid comprises pumping blood.
38. Th method of any one of claims 34-37, wherein pumping a liquid comprises pumping a therapy fluid.
39. The method of any one of claims 34-38, wherein pumping a liquid comprises pumping water.
40. The method of any one of claims 34-39, further comprising one or more cannulas for extracting blood and returning gas infused blood.
41. The method of any one of claims 34-40, wherein the gas comprises oxygen.
42. The method of any one of claims 34-41, wherein the microporous hollow fibers comprise Teflon®.
43. The method of any one of claims 34-42, wherein the liquid is infused with at least 75% efficiency.
44. The method of any one of claims 34-43, wherein each of the plurality of microporous hollow fibers have porosity of 75% or greater.
45. The method of any one of claims 34-44, further comprising measuring, via a pressure sensor, a pressure of the fluid.
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