New materials for medical procedures
The project 'Monolithic adsorbent columns for extracorporeal medical devices and bioseparations' (MONACO-EXTRA) set out to manufacture novel composite 3D monolithic adsorbent columns for use in medical devices for blood purification (haemoperfusion) and transfer. These materials have numerous analytical and commercial applications. To accomplish these goals, the project brought together specialists in different areas of synthetic, polymer and surface chemistry, and biomedical and biological sciences, as well as engineers, bioengineers and immunologists. The team was united by its desire to better serve patients with organ failure, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Over the course of the project, partners synthesised a range of novel composite adsorbents using natural and synthetic polymers, polymer gels and activated carbon. The materials will be used in extracorporeal (i.e. out of the body) devices representing a new generation of medical equipment. The partners also developed porous polymer microbeads suitable for enhanced molecular adsorption in extracorporeal haemoperfusion blood cell separation. Finally, the team designed 3D polymer cryogels for blood cell separation. In addition, researchers optimised the efficacy of the materials and composite materials for each clinical situation. They were able to accomplish this goal by developing methods to enable materials to retain their adsorptive capabilities, a significant breakthrough. Bridging the gap between knowledge production and knowledge use, the project worked to enable commercialisation of the new materials and techniques. These innovations may significantly strengthen the European industry for biomedical materials and medical devices. Project results have the potential to help tackle serious health conditions and complications, particularly in elderly patients. By producing novel and more efficient materials for medical applications and reducing the length of hospital stays, project outcomes may reduce the financial burden on national health care providers across Europe.
Keywords
Medical procedures, medical devices, bioseparations, blood purification, adsorbents
