Abstract:Silicon membranes with highly uniform nanopore sizes fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology allow for the development of miniaturized implants such as those needed for renal replacement therapies. However, the blood compatibility of silicon has thus far been an unresolved issue in the use of these substrates in implantable biomedical devices. We report the results of hemocompatibility studies using bare silicon, polysilicon, and modified silicon substrates. The surface modifications … Show more
“…Nanotechnology has shown some promise in the development of siliconebased uniform nanopore-sized membranes fabricated using microelectromechanical systems [27]. While the membranes can be manufactured to address any specific pore size, the lack of agreement on which 'toxin' to be removed has continued development of a urea-based model.…”
Dialytic support of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) has taken on an important aspect of critical care medicine. Increased morbidity and mortality associated with the AKI syndrome and the lack of great improvement despite the addition of differing dialytic techniques (and intensity) speaks to the need for a re-evaluation of renal support. Continuous therapies have brought greater control of urea, volume, acid/base status and enhanced hemodynamic stability over the traditional intermittent approaches. However, the incremental efficiency achieved by intense dialysis has not improved outcome in patients with AKI. We need to move beyond urea-based decision-making and pursue clinically relevant goal-targeted therapies. The latter will invariably lead to re-evaluation of the timing, intensity and duration of therapy, which traditionally have been mainly solute driven. Whether this will be via specifically designed membrane extracorporeal support or focused drug or cell-based therapies is currently under consideration. Volume determination and variability remain another moving target for therapy. Machine-generated feedback mechanisms responding to specific endpoints or compartmental changes are also under development. Improved diagnostic criteria, especially in septic-induced renal dysfunction, may allow for specific adsorption techniques using a variety of membrane-imbedded substances from activated charcoal to polymyxin B to newer resins. Cascade apheretic techniques have been attempted in specific disease entities to capture a larger group of potential toxins, while nanoporous membranes have been developed to remove a specific sized entity. Bio-artificial systems utilizing functioning cells should help with the recovery of injured cell and cell protection in those yet viable. Simple maneuvers to reduce the cost of delivered therapy, and the development of a more robust severity scoring system to help address the futile use of technology would be of great help. Greater attention to elements lost during intervention which may require supplementation, as well as the development of on-line replacement technology and coagulation friendly systems, will help eliminate much of the current cost of therapy.
“…Nanotechnology has shown some promise in the development of siliconebased uniform nanopore-sized membranes fabricated using microelectromechanical systems [27]. While the membranes can be manufactured to address any specific pore size, the lack of agreement on which 'toxin' to be removed has continued development of a urea-based model.…”
Dialytic support of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) has taken on an important aspect of critical care medicine. Increased morbidity and mortality associated with the AKI syndrome and the lack of great improvement despite the addition of differing dialytic techniques (and intensity) speaks to the need for a re-evaluation of renal support. Continuous therapies have brought greater control of urea, volume, acid/base status and enhanced hemodynamic stability over the traditional intermittent approaches. However, the incremental efficiency achieved by intense dialysis has not improved outcome in patients with AKI. We need to move beyond urea-based decision-making and pursue clinically relevant goal-targeted therapies. The latter will invariably lead to re-evaluation of the timing, intensity and duration of therapy, which traditionally have been mainly solute driven. Whether this will be via specifically designed membrane extracorporeal support or focused drug or cell-based therapies is currently under consideration. Volume determination and variability remain another moving target for therapy. Machine-generated feedback mechanisms responding to specific endpoints or compartmental changes are also under development. Improved diagnostic criteria, especially in septic-induced renal dysfunction, may allow for specific adsorption techniques using a variety of membrane-imbedded substances from activated charcoal to polymyxin B to newer resins. Cascade apheretic techniques have been attempted in specific disease entities to capture a larger group of potential toxins, while nanoporous membranes have been developed to remove a specific sized entity. Bio-artificial systems utilizing functioning cells should help with the recovery of injured cell and cell protection in those yet viable. Simple maneuvers to reduce the cost of delivered therapy, and the development of a more robust severity scoring system to help address the futile use of technology would be of great help. Greater attention to elements lost during intervention which may require supplementation, as well as the development of on-line replacement technology and coagulation friendly systems, will help eliminate much of the current cost of therapy.
“…Teflon is known to induce low blood activation and hemolysis during dialysis [11]. A schematic of a dialyzer is shown in figure 1.…”
Section: Methodsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…This might be due to two reasons: (1) these membranes are very thin; in fact, their thickness is in the same range as their pore sizes, which may increase their potential for failure due to fracture, and (2) crystalline silicon is not categorized as a totally hemocompatible material. For example, in comparison with Teflon, silicon introduces significantly higher levels of platelet activation [11]. Despite the above limitations, certain characteristics such as mass producibility, controlled pore size and pore density and miniaturized size of the membranes encourage further investigation for application of these membranes in blood dialysis.…”
Background/Aims: Recent advances in nanotechnology have made it possible to mass-produce ultrathin silicon membranes with pore sizes in the range of nanometers. In this study, we investigate the possibility of employing ultrathin nanoporous silicon membranes with pore diameters of 5 and 20 nm for dialysis of human whole blood by performing in vitro clearance and hemocompatibility assessments. Methods: A mini blood dialyzer is fabricated by mounting nanoporous silicon membranes on a Teflon structure. Clearance is calculated based on the concentration of sodium, chloride, ionized calcium, total CO2, glucose, creatinine and hematocrit measured before and after dialysis. Blood activation is assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Blood contact with the nanoporous membranes induces considerable leukocyte activation. Coating of the membranes with polyethylene glycol significantly improves hemocompatibility without blocking the nanopores. Conclusion: Silicon nanoporous membranes are potential candidates for fabrication of miniaturized blood dialyzers. Their mechanical strength and hemocompatibility can be further improved.
“…To date, thousands of people worldwide who have severe hearing loss have received cochlear implants (1). As silicon-based materials have an excellent biocompatibility, they are being used in the fabrication of a wide range of biomedical devices for diagnostic and therapeutic applications such as in neural electrodes and implantable sensors (2). They have been used for many years in cochlear implantation.…”
Objective: To assess the histopathological effects of parylene C (PC) (poly-chloro-p-xylylene) in the inner ear.
Methods:Nine adult Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs (500-600 g) were included in the study. PC pieces were inserted into the cochlea in the right ear of the animals (study group). The round windows were punctured in the left ears comprised the control group. After three months, the animals were sacrificed, and the dissected temporal bones were examined under a light microscope.Results: No significant difference was revealed between the study and control groups regarding histopathological findings such as perineural congestion, perineural inflammation, neural fibrosis, number of ganglion cells, edema, and degeneration of ganglion cells (p>0.05).
Conclusion:PC did not cause any additional histopathologic damage in the cochlea. This finding may be promising regarding the use of PC in cochlear implant electrodes as an alternative to silicon materials in the future.
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