Inflammatory cytokine removal by an activated carbon device in a flowing system

A prototype in-line filtration/adsorption device has been developed using novel synthetic pyrolysed carbon monoliths with controlled mesoporous domains of 2–50 nm. Porosity was characterized by SEM and porosimetry. Removal of inflammatory cytokines TNF, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 was assessed by filtering cytokine spiked human plasma through the walls of the carbon modules under pressure. The effect of carbon filtration on plasma clotting response and total plasma protein concentration was also assessed. Significant removal of the cytokines IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 was observed. Initially marked TNF removal diminished over time. The coagulation studies indicated that the carbon device does not exacerbate the propensity of blood plasma to clot. The total plasma protein concentration remained constant. The device offers a broader approach to the treatment of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) by the removal of inflammatory mediators central to its progression.