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Development of a photolytic artificial lung: preliminary concept validation
Kurt A Dasse1, Bruce F Monzyk, Eric C Burckle
1Levitronix Medical, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA.
ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)
|October 4, 2003
Summary
Researchers developed a novel photolytic method to generate dissolved oxygen (DO) from water, mimicking photosynthesis. This technology shows promise for artificial blood oxygenation, bypassing the lungs for improved gas exchange.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photocatalysis
- Respiratory Support
Background:
- Existing pulmonary technologies face limitations in gas exchange efficiency.
- A need exists for artificial methods to facilitate blood oxygenation, bypassing the alveolar-capillary interface.
- Photosynthesis provides a natural model for light-driven gas exchange.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of direct photolytic conversion of water into dissolved oxygen (DO).
- To create a system for artificial blood oxygenation using a synthetic blood serum surrogate.
- To investigate CO2 clearance alongside oxygen generation.
Main Methods:
- Constructed a test flow cell with a titanium, TiO2, and MnO2 coating on a glass substrate.
- Immersed the device in Locke's-Ringer solution (synthetic blood serum).
- Utilized long-wavelength UVA laser light to activate the photolytic process, with MnO2 catalyzing oxygen formation.
Main Results:
- Reproducible generation of an active oxygen (AO) form was observed upon light activation.
- The AO was directly converted to dissolved oxygen (DO) by MnO2 catalysis.
- No oxygen generation occurred without light activation, confirming the photolytic mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Photolytic production of DO from water in a synthetic blood serum is feasible.
- The system demonstrates potential for CO2 clearance alongside oxygen generation.
- A prototype module with parallel surfaces is proposed to enhance production capacity and gas separation.