Universal Filtration and Adsorption Device for Extracorporeal Blood Treatment
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | VITROSORB AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 000 000 |
| Project duration | October 2018 - June 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Joint R&D projects for small and medium-sized enterprises in Sweden-Germany |
| Call | 1st German-Swedish Call for Proposals for joint R&D projects by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) |
Purpose and goal
The aim of the project was the development of a universal filtration and adsorption device for extracorporeal blood treatment capable of the adsorptive removal of a wide range of pro-inflammatory cytokines and endogenous toxins from human blood and blood plasma. The wide range adsorption capacity of the porous beads from Polymerics GmbH and biocompatibility of some of them was confirmed. A packed column (product prototype) was tested in contact with PureADJUST apheresis system. Testing in contact with whole blood was hindered because of the current COVID-19 situation.
Expected results and effects
Studies of N-vinylimidazole-containing polymer porous beads produced by Polymerics GmbH confirmed their high adsorption capacity for a number of endogenous toxins (bilirubin, bile acids, IL-6, lipopolysaccharides) in combination with good biocompatibility: contact and complement activation, and cell toxicity of extracts were evaluated. Flow properties of the packed columns were acceptable. Sterilization by beta-irradiation or autoclaving did not compromise the above characteristics. A manuscript co-authored with Polymerics has been submitted for publication.
Planned approach and implementation
Vitrosorb and MAU received the first set of adsorbent beads in 2018-11, ran adsorption, contact and complement activation studies, the report of 2019-12. The beads of increased size came in 2020-03 and were used for the flow studies in variously shaped and irradiated columns, the report of 2020-09. The progress was discussed by phone on 2020-11-16, and typically by email. Coordination was discussed at digital meeting of 2021-02-11. The large beads good for whole blood came in 2020-08. These were packed in 150 mL-column and studied as product prototype, the report of 2021-06.