Mj. Bridge et al., A simple instrument to characterize convective and diffusive transport of single hollow fibers of short length, J MEMBR SCI, 183(2), 2001, pp. 223-233
The use hollow fiber membranes for cell encapsulation is being developed as
an experimental transplantation technology in which a permselective membra
ne physically isolates grafted cells from directly interacting with host ce
lls or tissue. Although laboratory characterization of commercial ultrafilt
ration and dialysis membranes using multi-fiber test modules is well establ
ished, a simple apparatus for characterizing the transport properties of sm
all individual segments of hollow fiber membrane has not been described. In
the current study, we describe an instrument for evaluating the diffusive
and convective transport characteristics of individual cell encapsulation m
embranes at size scales typically used in animal and human clinical studies
. The performance capabilities of the instrument are described, as well as
methods for determining hydropermeability, diffusive permeability, and solu
te rejection. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.