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ENZYMATIC CLEANING OF BERKEFELD CANDLES USED IN THE FILTRATION OF HUMAN BLOOD PLASMA
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|August 13, 1943
Summary
Enzymatic cleaning with pepsin effectively restored clogged Berkefeld candles. This method allowed efficient filtration of significant volumes of human blood plasma, demonstrating a viable solution for reusable filtration media.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Biochemistry
- Filtration Technology
Background:
- Berkefeld candles are commonly used for filtration but are prone to clogging.
- Human blood plasma can obstruct filtration pores, reducing efficiency and requiring replacement.
- Effective methods for cleaning and reusing filtration media are crucial for cost-efficiency and sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of enzymatic cleaning for restoring clogged Berkefeld candles.
- To determine the filtration capacity of enzymatically cleaned candles using human blood plasma.
Main Methods:
- Berkefeld candles clogged with human blood plasma were incubated in an acidulated aqueous pepsin solution.
- Candles underwent thorough rinsing in water, drying, and sterilization procedures post-incubation.
- Filtration efficiency and capacity were assessed using human blood plasma post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Enzymatic treatment with pepsin successfully cleared the clogs in Berkefeld candles.
- The cleaned candles demonstrated efficient filtration capabilities.
- Each restored candle could filter between 8 to 10 liters of human blood plasma.
Conclusions:
- Enzymatic cleaning using pepsin is a highly effective method for restoring clogged Berkefeld filtration candles.
- This technique significantly extends the usability of filtration media, offering a practical solution for processing human blood plasma.
