Haemodialysis Complexing Agents for Mid-Sized Molecule Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing haemodialysis methods are ineffective in removing mid-sized molecules (500 Da-50 kDa) from blood, leading to increased morbidity and mortality in chronic renal failure patients and those with acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing supra-molecular compounds or core particles to form complexes with mid-sized molecules, enhancing their removal through filtration, ultrafiltration, and convection by increasing their size and altering physio-chemical properties, potentially aided by magnetic or electromagnetic means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional haemodialysis is used, then small molecules are effectively removed, but mid-sized molecules remain in the blood
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (supramolecular compound or core particle) that binds to mid-sized molecules to form larger complexes. This intermediary enables the removal of mid-sized molecules by converting them into a form that can be filtered by conventional haemodialysis systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining conventional dialysis operation and achieving removal of mid-sized molecules.
2Quantity of substance
If filtration membrane pore size is reduced to remove mid-sized molecules, then removal efficiency improves, but small molecule removal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the removal process into two distinct stages: first, binding mid-sized molecules to form larger complexes; second, filtering these complexes through the existing membrane. This segmentation allows the membrane to maintain its original pore size for efficient small molecule removal while still achieving mid-sized molecule removal through the bound complex format.
3Quantity of substance
If complexing agents are administered to form larger complexes, then mid-sized molecule removal is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the target molecules (mid-sized molecules) by binding them to complexing agents, thereby transforming their size and filtration properties. This parameter change enables removal through conventional filtration without requiring complex new equipment or systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively removes mid-sized molecules and pathogens by forming larger complexes, improving patient outcomes by reducing systemic inflammatory response syndrome and mortality in chronic renal failure and infectious conditions.
Implementation Method 1
providing a complexing agent, especially a supra-molecular compound or a core particle, adapted for selectively binding or incorporating a target molecule
Implementation Method 2
removing the complex (supra-molecular complex) from the blood via a haemodialysis, preferably via one or more of filtration, ultrafiltration, convection, or adsorption
Implementation Method 3
removing the complex (supra-molecular complex) from the blood via a haemodialysis, preferably via one or more of filtration, ultrafiltration, convection, or adsorption
Implementation Method 4
potentially aided by magnetic or electromagnetic means
Implementation Method 5
conveying blood containing the complexing agent through a treatment zone of an extracorporeal blood flow pathway for a predetermined period of time for binding the target molecule
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method of removing a target substance from blood of a patient, the method comprising steps of: providing a complexing agent, especially a supra-molecular compound or core particle, adapted for selectively binding a target molecule or target entity in the blood of the patient in a complex, e.g. a supra-molecular complex; administering the complexing agent into the patient's blood, preferably into an extracorporeal blood flow pathway, for binding with the target molecule or the target entity; conveying the blood having the complexing agent through a treatment zone of an extracorporeal blood flow pathway for a predetermined period of time to bind or incorporate the target molecule or target entity within the blood in a complex, such as a supra-molecular complex; and removing the complex (e.g. supra-molecular complex) from the blood by haemodialysis, which preferably includes one or more of filtration, ultrafiltration, convection, or adsorption. The disclosure thus also provides a system (1) for removing a target substance from blood of a patient, the system (1) comprising: an extracorporeal blood flow pathway (2) for connection to a patient and for guiding or conveying a flow of blood from the patient along the pathway; a treatment zone (5) arranged in the extracorporeal blood flow pathway (2) for mixing a complexing agent (C) with the blood adapted to bind a target molecule (M) in a complex (X), especially a supra-molecular complex or core particle complex, as the blood flows through the treatment zone (5); and a haemodialysis unit (4) for separating the complex (X) from the blood via one or more of filtration, ultra-filtration, convection, and membrane adsorption, with or without magnetic assistance.