Whole blood separation system
US10300189B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 28, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01D2321/2033
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A system and method are provided for controlling fouling and complement protein activation during separation of plasma from whole blood using a spinning membrane separator. The separator includes a pair of relatively rotating surfaces spaced apart to define a gap therebetween, with at least one of the surfaces comprising a membrane that allows plasma to pass therethrough but substantially prevents the passage of red cells. In accordance with the method, the membrane material and membrane fabrication technique are selected so as that the resulting membrane both resists fouling and complement protein activation. In a specific embodiment, the membrane is has a smooth surface and substantially linear pores. The pores have a nominal diameter of less than 2 microns (so as to exclude platelets) and preferably a diameter of from 0.6 microns to 0.8 microns, as may be obtained by use of track-etching. In addition, the membrane material preferably is polycarbonate, as it has been determined that polycarbonate does not activate complement proteins.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.