Affinity chromatography systems for artificial liver support

The physical, adsorptive, and flow properties of two albumin conjugated agarose materials have been investigated in vitro to determine whether they could be used in artificial liver support systems to enhance the removal of toxic protein-bound substances. The results of binding of chenodeoxycholic acid and unconjugated bilirubin and flow experiments with blood and saline suggested that there could be advantages in using the SepharoseR rather than Bio--GelR albumin agarose in future haemoperfusion systems. However, further modifications are needed before the former can be successfully scaled up for human use.