Abstract
A number of pathological conditions are associated with the build up of toxic
substances within the systemic circulation. For example, renal and hepatic failure can
lead to the accumulation of metabolites which are usually processed by these organs.
There has been much interest over a number of years in techniques such as
haemoperfusion that could help clear these toxins from the body and improve patient
outcome. Haemoperfusion is an extracorporeal blood purification technique in which a
patient’s blood is passed over a column containing a material designed to adsorb a
board spectrum of biological toxic molecules. Direct blood contact with the adsorbent
requires a material that is able to display good haemocompatibility whilst maintaining
adsorption efficiency. Activated carbons (AC) have great adsorption capacity and have
previously been used as haemoadsorbents. However the haemocompatibility of carbons
has been questioned and they are often coated with biocompatible polymers that
increase their haemocompatibility but also act as a barrier to the removal of larger
toxins and middle molecules.
Original language | English |
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Qualification | Doctor of Philosophy |
Awarding Institution |
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Publication status | Published - Jun 2013 |