| Project name |
Development and testing of membranes for biohybrid
systems |
| Project reference |
Contract no
|
BRPR-CT98-0620 |
Proposal no |
BE97-4329 |
| Start date |
01/04/98 |
Duration |
3 years |
| RTD programme |
Brite-EuRam |
| Project Co-ordinator name |
Dr T Groth |
| Organisation address |
GKSS
Forschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbH |
|
Institute
of Chemistry |
|
Kantstraße
55 |
|
Teltow |
|
Country |
Germany |
Zip/post
code |
D-14513 |
| Telephone no |
Country |
49 |
Area |
3328 |
Local |
46460 |
| Fax no |
Country |
49 |
Area |
3328 |
Local |
46452 |
| Email |
Thomas.Groth@gkss.de |
| Other partners |
Holland
Biomaterials Group, NL |
|
University
of Patras, GR |
|
Free
University of Berlin, DE |
|
University
of Strathclyde, GB |
|
Fresenius
Medical Care Deutschland GmbH, DE |
| Project
summary |
This
project aims to develop membranes with cut-off between 50 & 300 kDa, with good
blood-contacting and kidney, liver or other cell-hosting properties that can be used for
the construction of bioreactors to support impaired or replace lost organ functions. |
| Project
achievements update April 99 |
Synthesis
of polymers based on acrylonitrile and different types of co-monomers was carried out,
followed by formation of dense flat membranes and subsequent surface modification of
selected membranes with ligands for improved tissue or blood compatibility. These
materials were tested for general tissue and blood compatibility, interaction with kidney
epithelial cells and hepatocytes regarding attachment, morphology, (growth), and function
of these cells. As a result of these investigations a number of membranes out of 12
different materials were found which have either good blood or tissue compatibility.
Surface modification of tissue compatible material with heparin or polyethylene oxide was
considered to render one side of tissue compatible materials more blood compatible. An
alternative approach to obtain blood and tissue compatible surfaces is represented by a
specific hollow fibre design. The production of large diameter fibres made of polysulfon
with low cross section and potting of these fibres was started. |
