Ultrahigh packing density next generation microtube array membrane: A novel solution for absorption‐based extracorporeal endotoxin removal device

Abstract

Sepsis is a deadly disease that is widely attributed to endotoxin released by gram‐negative bacterial infections often plague emergency care facilities. Conventionally antibiotics and vasopressors are used to treat this disease. Recent treatment protocol shifted to a membrane to remove the offending endotoxin monomer. Despite this shift, membrane‐based devices are often extremely costly, hindering accessibility to this life saving medical device. In view of this challenges, we adopted the internally developed polysulfone (PSF) microtube array membrane alternating (MTAM‐A) for use in blood sepsis treatment. PSF MTAM‐A were with polymyxin B (PMB) molecules immobilized were assembled into an internally developed cartridge housing and subjected to endotoxin removal models with water and blood spiked with 100 EU/ml of endotoxin as the feed solution. Samples were derived at 15, 30, 60, and 120 min and endotoxin levels were determined with limulus amebocyte lysate assay and benchmarked against the commercially available Toraymyxin device. The PSF MTAM‐A with 2.3 times the surface area was successfully fabricated and with PMB molecules immobilized, and assembled into a hemoperfusion device. Dynamic endotoxin removal test revealed and overall endotoxin removal capacity of 90% and a superior endotoxin removal efficiency that was significantly higher than that of Toraymyxin (internally conducted and reported). The data suggested that PSF MTAM‐A PMB membranes could potentially be applied in future hemoperfusion devices which would be significantly more efficient, compact, and affordable; potentially making such a life‐saving medical device widely available to the general public.

Microtube Array Membrane Encapsulated Cell Therapy: A Novel Platform Technology Solution for Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

“…The porous structure was observed in the morphology of MTAMs ( Figure 1 A–H). It suggested that the effect of blending PSF with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) exhibited phase inversion [ 34 , 35 ]. Seeding the hybridoma cells in MTAMs revealed that the MTAMs was an excellent shelter to avoid rejection of immune response and can benefit anti-tau IgG2b antibody production, and this was consistent with previously reported findings [ 23 ].…”

“…PSF beads (Sigma-Aldrich, Taipei, Taiwan) and polyethylene glycol (Sigma-Aldrich, Taipei, Taiwan) were mixed until homogenous in a 7:3 mixture of N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF; Tedia, Fairfield, OH, USA) and dichloromethane (DCM; Mallinckrodt, St. Louis, MO, USA). Under ambient conditions, the resulting polymer solution was electrospun as a ‘shell solution’ with a ‘core solution’ comprised of polyethylene glycol (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA) and polyethylene oxide (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA, as described in previous works [ 22 , 25 , 34 ]. Briefly, the high voltage charge supply (You-Shang Co., Fongshan City, Taiwan) generated electrostatic force was set up at 4.5–7 kV also current sustained at 750 µA.…”

Degradable Biocompatible Porous Microtube Scaffold for Extended Donor Cell Survival and Activity

“…Both materials were formed using a coaxial (core–shell) electrospinning method . PSF shell solution was prepared by dissolving polysulfone (PSF, 35 kDa, Sigma-Aldrich) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP, 1.3 MDa, Sigma-Aldrich) in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (THF, JT Baker) and dimethylacetamide (DMAC, Alfa Aesar) to obtain a concentration of 16% (w/v), in which the PSF/PVP ratio was 75:25.…”

“…Cell suspensions can be taken up into the microtubes by capillary action, and the structure provides a large surface area to volume ratio. In this study, we utilized a coaxial electrospinning technique to create a series of interlinked hollow tubes, which we adapted to form a scaffold suitable for cell culture . Here, we describe a methodology for the fabrication of a scaffold formed from poly­(lactic- co -glycolic acid) (PLGA).…”

Secondary Dysfunction of the Intestinal Barrier in the Pathogenesis of Complications of Acute Poisoning

“…Sepsis developed in 6.4% of the methanol poisoning victims [ 136 ]. Endotoxemia constantly accompanies sepsis [ 137 ], while bacteremia has only been observed in 67% of such patients [ 138 ]. Endotoxin accumulation in blood occurs in sepsis caused by Gram-negative, as well as Gram-positive bacteria and fungi, due to IB damage [ 139 ].…”