Obiettivo
The main objective is to create, to investigate and to describe mathematically a new system for unconjugated bilirubin (UB) removal from human serum albumin (HSA) containing solutions. To achieve this objective a new type of highly activated synthetic carbons (carbonic pyropolymers, CPP) will be designed and optimised for bilirubin removal. Physicochemical properties and adsorptive capacity of novel CPP to extract a wide spectrum of bioactive substances will be studied and new experimental and mathematical models of unconjugated bilirubin removal from albumin containing media will be developed.
The main steps of the research program are:
- Synthesis: synthesis of CPP on the base of porous vinylpyridine-styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and phenol-formaldehyde resins and their surface modification;
- Characterization of properties and mechanism of action: investigation of physicochemical properties of CPP and mechanisms of UB removal in the presence of HSA;
- Bioadsorption experiments: study of adsorption capacity of CPP towards creatinine, uric acid, free fatty acids, cholic acids, phenols, proinflammatory cytokines, and other low-, middle- and high molecular mass metabolites;
- Experimental modelling: development of experimental models for bilirubin removal and their in vitro testing;
- Mathematical modelling: mathematical description of UB adsorption onto CPP in the presence of HSA and numerical computation of UB extraction in double-compartment model with excitations.
The most important scientific results expected from this project are:
1. A new type of carbonic adsorbents;
2. Novel preparative procedures to optimise CPP properties for UB adsorption from HSA containing media;
3. Physicochemical characterisation of newly designed CPP with adsorptive activity towards selected biologically active substances superior to alternative adsorbents;
4. Determination of physicochemical mechanisms of UB adsorption onto CPP in the presence of HSA;
5. Non-linear numerical model of UB removal with predictive capability for real clinical situations where "artificial liver" supporting systems are applicable.
By achieving the aims and objectives of this project a major breakthrough on the way to designing an artificial liver and liver supporting systems will be made.
Argomento(i)
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SE5 9PJ London
Regno Unito