Cryogel for the removal of heparins and heparinoids from aqueous solutions, physiological solutions and biological fluids, preparation process and uses thereof

Abstract

The object of the present invention is a new cryopolymerization process that provides crosslinked polymeric materials in the form of a macroporous gel (cryogel) capable of sequestering (neutralize) the anticoagulant heparin, its low molecular weight derivatives (LMWH and ULMWH) and heparinoids, from aqueous solutions, physiological solutions and biological fluids, such as whole blood, serum and plasma. A further object of the invention are also crosslinked polymeric materials in the form of a macroporous gel (cryogel) obtained by the cryopolymerization process of the invention that, thanks to said specific process, result to be comprised of varying proportions of HEMA and HEMA-R monomers. The molar ratio between the components (HEMA/HEMA-R) may vary between 99.9% HEMA:0.1% HEMA-R and 0.1% HEMA:99.9% HEMA-R. Object of the invention is also the use of crosslinked polymeric materials in the form of a macroporous gel (cryogel) obtainable by the cryopolymerization process of the invention for the construction of filters, membranes or devices for the treatment of biological fluids. A further object of the invention are therefore filters, membranes, or devices for the treatment of biological fluids which comprise materials obtained by the cryopolymerization process of the invention.