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Biomedical subjects

E H Dunlop

Publications and source records attributed to E H Dunlop.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Development of a CELSS bioreactor: oxygen transfer and micromixing in parabolic flight.

The gas exchange portion of a phase-separated loop bioreactor was tested with respect to oxygen mass transfer and micromixing in accelerations of 0.01g, 1g, and 2g. A plot of the overall mass transfer coefficient versus gravity indicates the rate of oxygen transfer does not change as a function of acceleration. Also, it was determined that the micromixing did not exhibit significant changes in the various gravitational fields. These observations indicate the loop bioreactor should function independent of acceleration.

Bioreactors↗

Evolution of a phase separated gravity independent bioreactor.

The evolution of a phase-separated gravity-independent bioreactor is described. The initial prototype, a zero head-space manifold silicone membrane based reactor, maintained large diffusional resistances. Obtaining oxygen transfer rates needed to support carbon-recycling aerobic microbes is impossible if large resistances are maintained. Next generation designs (Mark I and II) mimic heat exchanger design to promote turbulence at the tubing-liquid interface, thereby reducing liquid and gas side diffusional resistances. While oxygen transfer rates increased by a factor of ten, liquid channeling prevented further increases. To overcome these problems, a Mark III reactor was developed which maintains inverted phases, i.e., media flows inside the silicone tubing, oxygen gas is applied external to the tubing. This enhances design through changes in gas side driving force concentration and liquid side turbulence levels. Combining an applied external pressure of four atmospheres with increased Reynolds numbers resulted in oxygen transfer intensities of 232 mmol O2/l/h (1000 times greater than first prototype and comparable to a conventional fermenter). A 1.0 liter Mark III reactor can potentially deliver oxygen supplies necessary to support cell cultures needed to recycle a 10 astronaut carbon load continuously.

Atmospheric Pressure↗

Phase separated membrane bioreactor: results from model system studies.

The operation and evaluation of a bioreactor designed for high intensity oxygen transfer in a microgravity environment is described. The reactor itself consists of a zero headspace liquid phase separated from the air supply by a long length of silicone rubber tubing through which the oxygen diffuses in and the carbon dioxide diffuses out. Mass transfer studies show that the oxygen is film diffusion controlled both externally and internally to the tubing and not by diffusion across the tube walls. Methods of upgrading the design to eliminate these resistances are proposed. Cell growth was obtained in the fermenter using Saccharomyces cerevisiae showing that this concept is capable of sustaining cell growth in the terrestrial [correction of terrestial] simulation.

Carbon Dioxide↗

Magnetic separation in biotechnology.

New developments in magnetic labelling techniques for cells and microspheres have extended the useful range of magnetic separation, particularly high gradient magnetic separation, into biotechnical areas. The basic magnetic principles involved are reviewed and representative samples of labelling techniques and results drawn from the past three years are presented. Illustrative examples of large scale operation in other industries are also presented, demonstrating the potential of the biotechnological applications.

Journal Article↗

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.

Chromatography, Affinity↗

Resin column perfusion with whole blood or plasma separated by the continuous flow celltrifuge.

1. The aim of this study was to define the factors influencing plasma separation from the continuous flow celltrifuge and to evaluate plasma as an alternative to whole blood for perfusion of exchange resins as part of a system of artificial liver support. 2. Studies in vitro showed the importance of packed cell volume, centrifugal force and duration of centrifugation on the degree of plasma separation. From these data it was possible to calculate plasma flow rates likely to be obtained from the celltrifuge when used in vivo. These predicted values correlated closely with plasma flow rate obtained in twenty-six studies in dogs. 3. Comparison of whole blood perfusion with plasma perfusion of exchange resins in another series of dog experiments showed that with whole blood perfusion there was often a considerable rise in pressure across the resin column but that this did not occur with plasma perfusion. 4. Measurements of platelet losses in the same series of experiments showed a 50% reduction of arterial platelet counts over a 31/2 h period of perfusion when whole blood was perfused. Although the fall was lower with plasma perfusion, the difference was not statistically significant. 5. Use of the celltrifuge provides a means of resin perfusion free of the mechanical difficulties of whole blood perfusion, but platelet losses still remain a problem.

Animals↗

Artificial liver support based on haemoperfusion of adsorbents.

The need for a device capable of performing the excretory functions of the liver during acute and chronic liver failure is described. Experience of artificial liver support systems is reviewed. The results of patients treatment with adsorbent haemoperfusion are discussed and problems of system design and biocompatibility are outlined.

Adsorption↗