Extract

Introduction and Aims: Dialyzer polymer membranes are grossly classified as cellulose-based and synthetically produced membranes. Although cellulose membrane’s clearance and mechanical properties qualify it for use in dialyzer membranes, hydroxyl groups of these membranes lead to strong activation of the complement system. Therefore, recent membranes are manufactured from synthetic polymers.

For physical and chemical characterization of these materials of dialyzer a wide range of analytical methods is available. Techniques like NMR and x-ray are often combined for a detailed characterization of polymers used in medical applications. Over the last few years, MALDI mass-spectrometry has been developed as a powerful tool for space-resolved analysis, not least because of its mass accuracy and high sensitivity. MALDI imaging techniques combine the potential of mass-spectrometric analysis with imaging as additional spatial information with relevance for biocompatibility of the dialyzer membranes. MALDI imaging enables the visualization of localization and distribution of biomolecules, chemical compounds and other molecules on different surfaces.

You do not currently have access to this article.

Comments

0 Comments
Submit a comment
You have entered an invalid code
Thank you for submitting a comment on this article. Your comment will be reviewed and published at the journal's discretion. Please check for further notifications by email.