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Membranes
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Membranes in Biomedical Engineering: Assisting Clinical Engineers
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Membranes in Biomedical Engineering: Assisting Clinical Engineers

A special issue of Membranes (ISSN 2077-0375). This special issue belongs to the section "Membrane Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 23138

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Kiyotaka Sakai

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Guest Editor
Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan
Interests: chemical engineering; membrane science; artificial organs; biomedical engineering; transport phenomena
Prof. Dr. Makoto Fukuda
*
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kindai University, 930 Nishimitani, Kinokawa, Wakayama 649-6493, Japan
Interests: hollow-fiber membrane; capillary membrane; biomedical engineering; clinical engineers; membrane science; membrane preparation; membrane characterization; scanning probe microscopy (SPM); transport phenomena; tortuous pore diffusion model (TPD model); artificial organs; artificial kidney (dialyzer); dialysis membrane; regenerated cellulose (RC) membrane; cellulose acetate (CA) membrane; polysulfone (PSU) membrane; polyethersulfone (PES) membrane; polyester–polymeralloy (PEPATM) membrane; polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) membrane; poly-acrylonitrile (PAN) membrane; ethylene vinylalcohol co-polymer (EVALTM) membrane; hemodiafiltration (HDF); artificial lung; hemoconcentration; extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO); fouling; biocompatibility; plasma exchange therapy; cytapheresis; cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART)
* Academic & Professional Career: Asahi Kasei Industry (1993–2006); Himeji Dokkyo University (2006–2014); Department of Medical Engineering, Kindai University (2014– )
Dr. Hiroyuki Sugaya

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Clean Energy Materials Research Laboratory, Advanced Materials Research Laboratorys, Toray Industries, Inc. 2-1, Sonoyama 3-chome, Otsu, Siga 520-0842, Japan
Interests: hollow-fiber membrane; chemical engineering; polymer chemistry;membrane science; membrane preparation; membrane characterization; transport phenomena; artificial organs; artificial kidney (dialyzer); dialysis membrane; membrane; polysulfone (PSU) membrane; polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) membrane; hemodiafiltration (HDF); fouling; biocompatibility; antithrombotic material

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since Dow Chemical began manufacturing hollow-fiber dialyzers (Capillary Kidney, Stewart Kidney) in 1968, which was the result of collaboration between medicine and engineering, blood purification technology in biomedical engineering has made great progress. In particular, the progress of blood purification membranes is notable, and industrial chemistry such as polymer synthesis and hollow-fiber membrane production technology has evolved into a major medical device industry. Furthermore, membrane evaluation methods such as microscopic observation technology have been developed, and membrane permeation theory based on theoretical and quantitative approaches have evolved. The tortuous pore diffusion model, which is one of them, associates higher-order structural factors with mass transfer characteristics, and it is useful for estimating the permeation characteristics of solutes, analyzing mass transfer phenomena and designing blood purification membranes. On the other hand, the membrane device must be designed appropriately in order to maximize the performance of the membrane. The design of the membrane device also determines the performance and safety of the device. These approaches have advanced membrane science and contributed to blood purification technology (biomedical engineering). Membrane science is also significant in terms of contributing to biomedical engineering.

At present, various membranes for biomedical engineering such as artificial lung, plasma exchange therapy, hemofiltration membrane, and hemoadsorption membrane are contributing to medical treatment around the world. Most recently, with the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, extracorporeal membrane oxygenators (ECMOs), which treat patients with COVID-19 infection, have been attracting attention as the “last stronghold”. In Japan, licensed clinical engineers are actively operating ventilators and extracorporeal devices such as ECMOs or blood purification devices. Membrane science and biomedical engineering are indispensable in medicine around the world and must be further advanced in the future.

In this Special Issue on “Membranes in Biomedical Engineering” of the journal Membranes, researchers are invited to contribute original research papers, as well as review articles or short communications, related to the preparation and characterization of membranes, transport phenomena, antithrombotic material, fouling, biocompatibility, module and reactor design, process design, and industrial perspectives.

The topics include but are not limited to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), gas separation membrane, artificial organs (artificial kidney, dialyzer, artificial liver, artificial pancreas), bioartificial organs (bioartificial kidney, bioartificial liver, bioartificial pancreas, cell culture, scaffold), blood purification membranes, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine in biomedical engineering.

We thank Japanese Society for Artificial Organs (Journal of Artificial Organs) for promoting our Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Kiyotaka Sakai
Prof. Dr. Makoto Fukuda
Dr. Hiroyuki Sugaya
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Membranes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Hollow-fiber membrane
  • Capillary membrane
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Clinical engineer
  • Membrane preparation
  • Membrane characterization
  • Transport phenomena
  • Pore model
  • Artificial organs
  • Blood purification
  • Artificial kidney (dialyzer)
  • Artificial lung
  • Dialysis membrane
  • Polysulfone (PSU)
  • Polyethersulfone (PES)
  • Hemodiafiltration (HDF)
  • Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
  • Fouling
  • Biocompatibility
  • Antithrombotic material
  • Plasma exchange therapy
  • Cytapheresis
  • Cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART)
  • Hemoconcentration
  • Module and reactor design
  • Process design

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 5841 KiB  
Article
Effect of Membrane Surface Area on Solute Removal Performance of Dialyzers with Fouling
by Takayoshi Kiguchi, Hiromi Ito and Akihiro C. Yamashita
Membranes 2022, 12(7), 684; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12070684 - 01 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1831
Abstract
In a clinical situation, since membrane fouling often causes the reduction of solute removal performance of the dialyzer, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of the dialyzer, considering the effects of fouling even in aqueous in vitro experiments that are useful for [...] Read more.
In a clinical situation, since membrane fouling often causes the reduction of solute removal performance of the dialyzer, it is necessary to evaluate the performance of the dialyzer, considering the effects of fouling even in aqueous in vitro experiments that are useful for the better design of dialyzers. We replicated the membrane fouling by immobilizing albumin on the membrane in a dialyzer using glutaraldehyde as a stabilizer. The modules of various membrane surface areas with and without replication of the fouling were used for performance evaluation of solute (creatinine, vitamin B12, and inulin) removal in dialysis experiments in vitro. Clearances for these solutes in the modules with fouling were lower than those without fouling. Furthermore, the smaller the surface area, the larger the fouling effect was observed in all solutes. Calculated pressure distribution in a module by using a mathematical model showed that the solute removal performance might be greatly affected by the rate of internal filtration that enhances the solute removal, especially for larger solutes. The increase in the rate of internal filtration should contribute to improving the solute removal performance of the dialyzer, with a higher effect in modules with a larger membrane surface area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes in Biomedical Engineering: Assisting Clinical Engineers)
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11 pages, 3878 KiB  
Article
Semi-Quantitative Evaluation of Asymmetricity of Dialysis Membrane Using Forward and Backward Ultrafiltration
by Akihiro C. Yamashita, Toshiki Kakee, Takahisa Ono, Jun Motegi, Satoru Yamaguchi and Takashi Sunohara
Membranes 2022, 12(6), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12060624 - 15 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1874
Abstract
Performance of the dialysis membrane is strongly dependent upon the physicochemical structure of the membrane. The objective of this study is to devise a new in vitro evaluation technique to quantify the physicochemical structures of the membrane. Three commercial dialyzers with cellulose triacetate [...] Read more.
Performance of the dialysis membrane is strongly dependent upon the physicochemical structure of the membrane. The objective of this study is to devise a new in vitro evaluation technique to quantify the physicochemical structures of the membrane. Three commercial dialyzers with cellulose triacetate (CTA), asymmetric CTA (termed ATA®), and polyether sulfone (PES) membranes (Nipro Co., Osaka, Japan) were employed for investigation. Forward and backward ultrafiltration experiments were performed separately with aqueous vitamin B12 (MW 1355), α-chymotrypsin (MW 25,000), albumin (MW 66,000) and dextran solutions, introducing the test solution inside or outside the hollow fiber (HF), respectively. Sieving coefficients (s.c.) for these solutes were measured under the test solution flow rate of 200 mL/min and the ultrafiltration rate of 10 mL/min at 310 K, according to the guidelines provided by Japanese academic societies. We defined the ratio of s.c. in the backward ultrafiltration to that in the forward ultrafiltration and termed it the index for asymmetricity (IA). The IA values were unity for vitamin B12 and α-chymotrypsin in all three of the dialyzers. The IA values for albumin, however, were 1.0 in CTA, 1.9 in ATA®, and 3.9 in PES membranes, respectively, which corresponded well with the fact that CTA is homogeneous, whereas ATA® and PES are asymmetrical in structure. Moreover, the asymmetricity of ATA® and PES may be different by twofold. This fact was verified in continuous basis by employing dextran solution before and after being fouled with albumin. These findings may contribute to the development of a novel membrane for improved success of dialysis therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes in Biomedical Engineering: Assisting Clinical Engineers)
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13 pages, 6579 KiB  
Article
Insights into Gradient and Anisotropic Pore Structures of Capiox® Gas Exchange Membranes for ECMO: Theoretically Verifying SARS-CoV-2 Permeability
by Makoto Fukuda, Ryo Tanaka, Kazunori Sadano, Asako Tokumine, Tomohiro Mori, Hitoshi Saomoto and Kiyotaka Sakai
Membranes 2022, 12(3), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12030314 - 10 Mar 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2608
Abstract
When using the extracorporeal capillary membrane oxygenator (sample A) for ECMO treatments of COVID-19 severely ill patients, which is dominantly used in Japan and worldwide, there is a concern about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 scattering from the gas outlet port of the membrane [...] Read more.
When using the extracorporeal capillary membrane oxygenator (sample A) for ECMO treatments of COVID-19 severely ill patients, which is dominantly used in Japan and worldwide, there is a concern about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 scattering from the gas outlet port of the membrane oxygenator. Terumo has launched two types of membranes (sample A and sample B), both of which are produced by the microphase separation processes using polymethylpentene (PMP) and polypropylene (PP), respectively. However, the pore structures of these membranes and the SARS-CoV-2 permeability through the membrane wall have not been clarified. In this study, we analyzed the pore structures of these gas exchange membranes using our previous approach and verified the SARS-CoV-2 permeation through the membrane wall. Both have the unique gradient and anisotropic pore structure which gradually become denser from the inside to the outside of the membrane wall, and the inner and outer surfaces of the membrane have completely different pore structures. The pore structure of sample A is also completely different from the other membrane made by the melt-extruded stretch process. From this, the pore structure of the ECMO membrane is controlled by designing various membrane-forming processes using the appropriate materials. In sample A, water vapor permeates through the coating layer on the outer surface, but no pores that allow SARS-CoV-2 to penetrate are observed. Therefore, it is unlikely that SARS-CoV-2 permeates through the membrane wall and scatter from sample A, raising the possibility of secondary ECMO infection. These results provide new insights into the evolution of a next-generation ECMO membrane. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes in Biomedical Engineering: Assisting Clinical Engineers)
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14 pages, 1823 KiB  
Article
Analytical Solutions of a Two-Compartment Model Based on the Volume-Average Theory for Blood Toxin Concentration during and after Dialysis
by Yoshihiko Sano, Kentaro Sato, Ryusei Iida, Narutoshi Kabashima and Toyomu Ugawa
Membranes 2021, 11(7), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11070506 - 05 Jul 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2518
Abstract
Accurate prediction of blood toxin concentration during and after dialysis will greatly contribute to the determination of dialysis treatment conditions. Conventional models, namely single-compartment model and two-compartment model, have advantages and disadvantages in terms of accuracy and practical application. In this study, we [...] Read more.
Accurate prediction of blood toxin concentration during and after dialysis will greatly contribute to the determination of dialysis treatment conditions. Conventional models, namely single-compartment model and two-compartment model, have advantages and disadvantages in terms of accuracy and practical application. In this study, we attempted to derive the mathematical model that predicts blood toxin concentrations during and after dialysis, which has both accuracy and practicality. To propose the accurate model, a new two-compartment model was mathematically derived by adapting volume-averaging theory to the mass transfer around peripheral tissues. Subsequently, to propose a practical model for predicting the blood toxin concentration during dialysis, an analytical solution expressed as algebraic expression was derived by adopting variable transformation. Furthermore, the other analytical solution that predicts rebound phenomena after dialysis was also derived through similar steps. The comparisons with the clinical data revealed that the proposed analytical solutions can reproduce the behavior of the measured blood urea concentration during and after dialysis. The analytical solutions proposed as algebraic expressions will allow a doctor to estimate the blood toxin concentration of a patient during and after dialysis. The proposed analytical solutions may be useful to consider the treatment conditions for dialysis, including the rebound phenomenon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes in Biomedical Engineering: Assisting Clinical Engineers)
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Review

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16 pages, 2326 KiB  
Review
Artificial Kidney Engineering: The Development of Dialysis Membranes for Blood Purification
by Yu-Shuo Tang, Yu-Cheng Tsai, Tzen-Wen Chen and Szu-Yuan Li
Membranes 2022, 12(2), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12020177 - 02 Feb 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 10360
Abstract
The artificial kidney, one of the greatest medical inventions in the 20th century, has saved innumerable lives with end stage renal disease. Designs of artificial kidney evolved dramatically in decades of development. A hollow-fibered membrane with well controlled blood and dialysate flow became [...] Read more.
The artificial kidney, one of the greatest medical inventions in the 20th century, has saved innumerable lives with end stage renal disease. Designs of artificial kidney evolved dramatically in decades of development. A hollow-fibered membrane with well controlled blood and dialysate flow became the major design of the modern artificial kidney. Although they have been well established to prolong patients’ lives, the modern blood purification system is still imperfect. Patient’s quality of life, complications, and lack of metabolic functions are shortcomings of current blood purification treatment. The direction of future artificial kidneys is toward miniaturization, better biocompatibility, and providing metabolic functions. Studies and trials of silicon nanopore membranes, tissue engineering for renal cell bioreactors, and dialysate regeneration are all under development to overcome the shortcomings of current artificial kidneys. With all these advancements, wearable or implantable artificial kidneys will be achievable. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes in Biomedical Engineering: Assisting Clinical Engineers)
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Other

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11 pages, 1101 KiB  
Systematic Review
Effects of Medium Cut-Off Polyarylethersulfone and Polyvinylpyrrolidone Blend Membrane Dialyzers in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
by Yu-Hui Hung, Tai-Shuan Lai, Mohamed Belmouaz, Ya-Chun Tu, Chun-Fu Lai, Shuei-Liong Lin and Yung-Ming Chen
Membranes 2022, 12(5), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12050443 - 20 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2387
Abstract
The use of medium cut-off (MCO) polyarylethersulfone and polyvinylpyrrolidone blend membrane is an emerging mode in hemodialysis. Recent studies have shown that MCO membranes exhibit a middle high molecular weight uremic toxin clearance superior to standard high flux hemodialysis. We conducted a systematic [...] Read more.
The use of medium cut-off (MCO) polyarylethersulfone and polyvinylpyrrolidone blend membrane is an emerging mode in hemodialysis. Recent studies have shown that MCO membranes exhibit a middle high molecular weight uremic toxin clearance superior to standard high flux hemodialysis. We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to investigate whether MCO membranes efficiently increase the reduction ratio of middle molecules, and to explore the potential clinical applications of MCO membranes. We selected articles that compared beta 2-microglobulin (β2M), kappa free light chain (κFLC), lambda free light chain (λFLC), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and albumin levels among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Five randomized studies with 328 patients were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly higher reduction ratio of serum β2M (p < 0.0001), κFLC (p < 0.0001), and λFLC (p = 0.02) in the MCO group. No significant difference was found in serum IL-6 levels after hemodialysis. Albumin loss was observed in the MCO group (p = 0.04). In conclusion, this meta-analysis study demonstrated the MCO membranes’ superior ability to clear β2M, κFLC, and λFLC. Serum albumin loss is an issue and should be monitored. Further studies are expected to identify whether MCO membranes could significantly improve clinical outcomes and overall survival. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Membranes in Biomedical Engineering: Assisting Clinical Engineers)
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