Sorbent-Embedded Dialysis Membrane for Simultaneous Endotoxin and Solute Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration methods require large purification machines and significant water resources to remove endotoxins from dialysate, and only partially remove uremic solutes from blood, with limited availability and high costs of ultra-pure dialysate in developing countries, and no simultaneous removal of endotoxins from dialysate and uremic solutes.
Innovation Solution
Compositions comprising sorbent particles, such as activated carbon, embedded in a membrane matrix made from polymers like polysulfone and polyethersulfone, which allow for the simultaneous removal of endotoxins from dialysate and uremic solutes during hemodialysis or hemodiafiltration, reducing the need for additional purification steps and enabling dialysate recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large purification machines with multiple filters are used to remove endotoxins from dialysate, then endotoxin removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines endotoxin removal and uremic solute removal functions into a single dialysis membrane structure. The membrane contains both sorbent particles for endotoxin adsorption and porous channels for uremic solute transport, eliminating the need for separate purification machines and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability in endotoxin removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The dialysis membrane is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier for uremic solute removal through its porous structure and as an adsorbent for endotoxin removal through embedded sorbent particles. This multi-functional design reduces device complexity by replacing multiple specialized devices with one integrated membrane system.
2Reliability
If large purification machines are used to remove endotoxins from dialysate, then endotoxin removal efficiency is improved, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging endotoxin removal with the dialysis process itself through the integrated membrane, the system eliminates the need for separate water-intensive purification steps. The sorbent particles within the membrane remove endotoxins directly from dialysate during normal operation, significantly reducing overall water consumption while maintaining effective endotoxin removal.
3Productivity
If conventional dialysis membranes are used, then uremic solute removal is achieved, but endotoxin removal is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite membrane structure combining hydrophilic polymer matrix with embedded sorbent particles. This composite material enables simultaneous uremic solute removal through the porous polymer network and endotoxin adsorption through the sorbent particles, achieving both high productivity in uremic solute removal and reliable endotoxin removal that conventional single-function membranes cannot provide.
4Reliability
If purified dialysate is produced using traditional methods, then endotoxin standards are met, but cost and availability issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The dialysis membrane performs self-purification by removing endotoxins directly during the dialysis process through embedded sorbent particles. This eliminates the need for separate external purification systems, reducing operational costs and improving availability, especially in resource-limited settings, while still meeting endotoxin standards through the membrane's inherent adsorption capability.
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 solution effectively reduces endotoxin levels in dialysate and uremic solute removal from blood, minimizing the number of membranes required, reducing water and cost burdens, and providing a safe barrier against endotoxin transfer to the patient, while enabling dialysate reuse and reducing the complexity of portable artificial kidneys.
Implementation Method 1
sorbent particles embedded in a membrane matrix for use in the simultaneous removal of endotoxins from dialysate
Implementation Method 2
uremic solutes flow through the membrane to the dialysate due to a difference in concentration
Implementation Method 3
transport of uremic solutes from the blood to the dialysate is based on both diffusion and convection
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Disclosed are compositions for use in the simultaneous removal of endotoxins from dialysate and uremic solutes from blood during the treatment of patients. The treatment is selected from the group consisting of hemodialysis and hemodiafiltration. The compositions comprise sorbent particles embedded in a membrane comprising a polymer and a hydrophilic additive.