A novel field generator for magnetic stimulation in cell culture experiments.

A novel field generator specially designed to examine the influence of low frequency magnetic fields on specific cell material was constructed and characterized. The exposure unit described in this paper consists of a controller unit and three sets of coils. The field generator permits a precious definition of the revelant signal parameters and allows the superposition of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) magnetic fields. Critical system parameters were monitored continuously. The three sets of coils, each arranged in the Helmholtz Configuration were characterized. After data processing and visualization the results showed a constant and homogeneous field within the experimental area. The special coil design also allows their use in an incubator.

Patient safety technology for microadsorbent systems in extracorporeal blood purification.

Alternative technologies for extracorporeal blood purification systems based on microadsorbents in suspension are discussed. Principally, microadsorbents offer higher efficiency and flexibility when compared to conventional column-based adsorption systems. Systems already clinically employed (e.g., BioLogic DT) or close to clinical application (e.g., the microspheres-based detoxification system, MDS) are described. The MDS technology, in particular, is characterized by efficiency and a high degree of flexibility with respect to both the use of different adsorbents as well as the combination with hemodialysis/hemofiltration therapy. It was designed for continuous use in intensive-care units, but enables also the removal of low-density lipoprotein, fibrinogen, autoimmune antibodies, immune complexes, and other pathophysiologically relevant substances. Alternative anticoagulation regimes and safety systems on fluorescence sensor technology have recently been developed for the MDS and are presented in this paper.

Fractionated plasma separation and adsorption system: a novel system for blood purification to remove albumin bound substances.

The removal of albumin bound substances has gained increasing interest in different diseases, especially in acute and chronic liver disease. Therefore, a new system, the fractionated plasma separation and adsorption (FPSA) system, was developed based on combined membrane and adsorbent blood purification techniques. The most important contribution to the FPSA system was the development of a new polysulfone hollow-fiber filter, which is characterized by a sieving coefficient of 0.89 for human serum albumin (HSA) but only of 0.17 for fibrinogen, and 0 (zero) for IgM immunoglobulins. Using a closed filtrate circuit connected to the new polysulfone filter which integrates 1 or 2 adsorption columns and also a high flux dialyzer adapted to a dialysis machine, the FPSA system opens excellent possibilities for the relatively specific removal of albumin bound substances from the blood such as albumin bound bilirubin or even tryptophan. In comparison to other systems (for example, the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System [MARS] and albumin dialysis systems), the FPSA system enables much higher elimination of strongly bound albumin substances. The first clinical investigations have recently started based on a modified dialysis machine designed with all necessary safety measures.