Patent ID: 6855121
Filing Date: 2005-02-15
Classification: A61M,B01D

Abstract:
1. A method for selectively removing metabolic contaminants from at least one blood component, comprising: (a) selecting a first selective membrane composed of a polyacrylamide hydrogel; (b) directing a first solvent stream having a selected pH and including at least a metabolic contaminant capable of obtaining a charge and at least one blood component, so as to flow along the first selective membrane, wherein such pH produces a net charge on the metabolic contaminant; (c) directing a second solvent stream along the first selective membrane so as to be isolated from the first solvent stream thereby; (d) applying at least one voltage potential across each of the first and second solvent streams, the pressure in both streams being substantially equal, wherein the application of such voltage potential causes movement of at least a portion of the charged metabolic contaminants through the first selective membrane into the second solvent stream while at least a portion of the at least one blood component is prevented from entering the second solvent stream wherein substantially all transmembrane migration of the charged metabolic contaminant is initiated by the voltage potential; and (e) maintaining step (d) until the first solvent stream contains the desired purity of the at least one blood component.