Monolithic Adsorbent Columns for Extracorporeal Blood Purification

This interdisciplinary project deals with the development of monolithic adsorption columns for extracorporeal blood purification (haemapheresis), for cell separation (cytapheresis), and for other bioseparations. The specific aims of this project are (1) the synthesis of monolithic cryogels, (2) the synthesis of adsorbent particles with and without functionalisation with bioligands as well as the synthesis of activated carbons, (3) the production of composite adsorption columns containing the adsorbent particles embedded in a cryogel matrix, (4) the characterization of the biocompatibility of these materials, and (5) the evaluation of the adsorption characteristics (capacity, selectivity) for protiens and cells. The following partners are involved in the project: University of Brighton (coordinator), Mast Carbon Technology Ltd., Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust (all UK), Protista Biotechnology and Universität Lund (both Sweden), Polymerics GmbH (Germany), Danube University Krems (Austria). The focus of the work in krems is on the characterization of the newly developed materials with respect to adsorption properties and biocompatibility as well as on the synthesis of a new ligand for endotoxin.