Metabolic prosthesis for oxygenation of ischemic tissue

IEEE Trans Biomed Eng. 2009 Feb;56(2):528-31. doi: 10.1109/TBME.2008.2003263. Epub 2009 Mar 16.

Abstract

This communication discloses new ideas and preliminary results on the development of a metabolic prosthesis for local oxygenation of ischemic tissue under physiologically neutral conditions. We report for the first time selective electrolysis of physiological saline by repetitively pulsed, charge-limited electrolysis for the production of oxygen and suppression of free chlorine. Using 800-microA amplitude current pulses and < 200 micros pulse duration, we demonstrate prompt oxygen production and delayed chlorine production at the surface of a fused 0.85-mm diameter spherical platinum electrode. The data, interpreted in terms of the ionic structure of the electric double layer, suggest a strategy for in situ production of metabolic oxygen via a new class of "smart" prosthetic implants for ischemic disease such as diabetic retinopathy. We also present data indicating that collateral pH drift, if any, can be held constant using a feedback-controlled three-electrode electrolysis system that chooses an anode and cathode pair based on pH data provided by a local sensor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Electrochemical Techniques* / instrumentation
  • Electrochemical Techniques* / methods
  • Electrodes, Implanted*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Ischemia / therapy*
  • Models, Biological
  • Orbit
  • Oxygen / metabolism*
  • Prostheses and Implants*
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Sodium Chloride / chemistry
  • Sodium Chloride / metabolism
  • Water / chemistry
  • Water / metabolism

Substances

  • Water
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Oxygen