Membrane cascade plasmapheresis: theoretical analysis and in vitro studies.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Plasma Separation Technology
• Therapeutic Apheresis

Background:

• Plasmapheresis therapy relies on donor plasma, which is costly and carries risks like infection transmission and adverse reactions.
• Developing autologous plasma generation methods can improve patient safety and reduce healthcare expenses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a membrane cascade plasmapheresis (MCP) system for continuous autologous purified plasma generation.
• To optimize the system for maximizing immunoglobulin (IgG) clearance and albumin recovery.

Main Methods:

• A novel MCP system was designed, incorporating a membrane plasma separator and a secondary filter for plasma fractionation.
• The system separates blood into plasma and cellular components, fractionates plasma into albumin-rich and immunoglobulin-rich portions, and reinfuses processed blood with albumin.
• Ringer solution was used to compensate for plasma volume loss during immunoglobulin rejection.

Main Results:

• Theoretical analysis indicated that increasing Ringer solution flow rate enhances IgG clearance but reduces albumin recovery.
• In vitro testing with patient plasma and a Kuraray 2A filter showed relative IgG and albumin clearances of 65-70% and 40-45%, respectively.
• The study identified a trade-off between IgG clearance and albumin recovery, dependent on filter selectivity and operational parameters.

Conclusions:

• The developed MCP system shows potential for autologous plasma generation in therapeutic apheresis.
• Further enhancements in the secondary filter's selectivity are required to improve IgG removal efficiency and minimize albumin loss.
• Optimizing the MCP system could offer a safer and more cost-effective alternative to traditional donor plasma therapies.