Researchers at Tomsk State University in Siberia said they are experimenting with changing the physicochemical properties of zeolites in an effort to use the mineral as a way to help purify blood as part of a portable hemodialysis device they are developing.
Zeolites are microporous, aluminosilicate minerals commonly used as commercial adsorbents and catalysts. The researchers are looking at synthetic zeolite powder and natural zeolite of Tokay deposits found in Hungary.
They hope to combine the altered properties of the mineral with nanoceramics they have manufactured into a new gradient material that would be the main part (or sieve) of a portable device for hemodialysis.
Zeolite with high specific surface area provides effective moisture absorption, the researchers said in a release. The device would be connected to a shunt implanted under the skin of a patient, and their blood would circulate through the composite sieve and be cleaned.
“Nowadays, some analogs of traditional devices for hemodialysis are available, but all of them require the procedure to be performed in a hospital, so people are bound to their place of residence,” Alexander Buzimov, a researcher, said in a statement. “With the new device, patients will be able to go even on a long journey. Hemodialysis can be then done at home and in an emergency situation.”
The researchers said they hope to have the new material developed in the next year, allowing them to develop their portable device in the next two years.
- here’s the release
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