Hemocompatible Adsorbent Granules for Protein-Bound Toxin Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hemodialysis methods are inefficient in removing protein-bound uremic toxins due to their hydrophobic nature and the hemocompatibility issues of existing adsorber materials, which can lead to blood clotting and embolisms.
Innovation Solution
Development of hemocompatible adsorber granules with spherical activated carbon particles coated with a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer layer, specifically polyvinylpyrrolidone, to effectively remove protein-bound toxins while ensuring biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If activated carbon or styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer adsorbers are used to remove toxins from blood, then toxin adsorption capacity is improved, but hemocompatibility deteriorates leading to blood clotting and complement activation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer core (for toxin adsorption) coated with a hydrophilic polymer layer (for hemocompatibility). This composite material combines the advantages of both materials: the hydrophobic core provides high toxin adsorption capacity while the hydrophilic coating prevents blood clotting and complement activation.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin hydrophilic polymer coating is applied over the hydrophobic adsorber core. This thin film acts as a protective barrier that maintains hemocompatibility while allowing the underlying adsorber material to function. The coating is thin enough to not significantly reduce adsorption capacity but thick enough to prevent direct blood contact with the hydrophobic surface.
2Productivity
If hydrophobic adsorber materials are used to adsorb protein-bound uremic toxins, then adsorption effectiveness is improved, but blood clotting and embolism risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic polymer coating acts as an intermediary layer between the hydrophobic adsorber core and the blood. It mediates the interaction by preventing direct contact between blood components and the hydrophobic surface, thereby eliminating blood clotting and embolism risks while allowing the core to maintain its adsorption effectiveness.
3Productivity
If hemodialysis is used to remove water-soluble toxins, then removal efficiency is improved, but protein-bound hydrophobic toxins cannot be effectively removed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface property parameter of the adsorber material from hydrophobic to hydrophilic through polymer coating. This parameter change enables the adsorber to interact effectively with protein-bound hydrophobic toxins that cannot be removed by conventional hemodialysis, while maintaining biocompatibility for clinical use.
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
The adsorber granules demonstrate enhanced hemocompatibility and effective adsorption of uremic toxins, including protein-bound ones, without triggering blood clotting or embolisms, thereby improving the treatment of chronic kidney failure and liver insufficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Another option for removing toxins from blood or blood plasma is to bind the toxins to a hydrophobic adsorber
Implementation Method 2
The adsorbers used to remove toxins from blood are made of activated carbon or styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to hemocompatible adsorber materials for removing protein-bound toxins from blood or blood plasma, comprising spherical activated carbon particles that are coated with a hydrophilic, cross-linked polymer layer. The present invention further relates to a method for producing said adsorber materials and to the use thereof in renal or hepatic replacement therapy, for detoxification and in the treatment of sepsis.