Agarose-Encapsulated Adsorbents I. Concept and General Properties

Abstract

The development of a new material for use in haemoperfusion systems, agarose-encapsulated adsorbents, is reported. In contrast to conventional „coating“ methods, the required adsorbing phase, such as active charcoal or resin, is actually trapped within the matrix of the agarose gel, which is formed into smooth, soft, but resilient beads of virtually any desired diameter, conveniently in the range 3–5 mm. It is our belief, derived from the unusual properties of this system which have so far emerged, that the technique of agarose-encapsulation could provide a further step forward in the field of extracorporeal detoxification. The decisive advantage of the new material is undoubtedly the possible use of adsorbent phases in powder form encapsulated in the beads, which affords a vastly improved degree of adsorption without a negative effect on haemocompatibility. An approach to a semi-selective system is offered by the use of combinations of adsorbers in the beads.