Hemodialysis device on the bracelet
TSU is changing the properties of zeolites to improve the hemodialysis procedure
TSU scientists have learned how to change the physico-chemical properties of zeolites by mechanical and thermal action. Based on these studies, in the future, the researchers plan to make a new material for creating a portable hemodialysis device. The project involves researchers from the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science SB RAS, Faculty of Physics and Technology of Tomsk State University together with the Institute of Chemical Technologies (Fraunhofer ICT, Germany) and Miskolc University (Hungary).
The scientists studied synthetic zeolite powder of the commercial brand SAPO-34 and natural zeolite of the Tokay deposit (Hungary).
– Natural zeolites are strong aluminosilicate minerals, therefore, the issue of their grinding technology in order to increase the specific surface area is extremely important, – says Alexander Buzimov, a graduate student of the Faculty of Physics and Technology of TSU. – Its change under the influence of mechanical processing makes it possible to vary the properties of zeolites in a directed way.
The synthetic powder was machined in a drum mill. The speed of rotation of the drum was 150 revolutions per minute, the duration of mechanical processing varied from 1 to 96 hours. Before and after mechanical processing, the powder was subjected to thermal effects. As a result, the specific surface area of the material decreased from 506 m2/g to 102 m2/g (after 96 hours of mechanical activation and annealing at 1000 o C).
The natural zeolite of the Tokay deposit was mechanically activated in a ball mill for 1-600 minutes. As a result of such treatment, the mineralogical composition of zeolite changed: the content of smectite, clinoptololite, illite, calcite and cristobalite decreased several times, while the content of quartz and orthoclase increased. The specific surface area has increased.
Having learned to "manage" the properties of zeolite, scientists plan to combine the mineral with nanoceramics, which is manufactured by scientists of the IFPM SB RAS and TSU, and thus obtain a new gradient material. The created composite sieve will become the main element of a portable hemodialysis device, which will be small in size (with a wristwatch).
– Highly porous ceramics with the required pore size – from nano to macro – have already been developed by a team of employees of Tomsk State University, the Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science SB RAS, the Institute of Chemical Technologies of the Fraunhofer Society (Germany) and Miskolc University (Hungary), with which TSU has long-term Agreements. This team includes both "old" scientists and students, starting from the 3rd year," says TSU Professor Sergey Kulkov.
Zeolite with a high specific surface area absorbs moisture well (so in the text – VM). The device will be connected to a shunt that is implanted under the patient's skin. The blood will circulate through a composite sieve, and thus be purified.
Scientists plan to receive the new material within a year, and in two years the first device may appear.
– The main advantage of this device is mobility, – says Alexander Buzimov. – Now, of course, there are analogues to traditional hemodialysis machines, but in any case, the procedure must be carried out in hospital conditions, so people are "tied" to their place of residence. And with this device, they will be able to go even on long trips, hemodialysis can be done at home and in an emergency situation.
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04.07.2016