DISPOSITIF EN CIRCUIT FERME ET METHODES D'ISOLATION, DE MODIFICATION ET DE READMINISTRATION DE COMPOSANTS SPECIFIQUES D'UNE SOURCE DE FLUIDE BIOLOGIQUE
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the isolation, modification and re- administration of a molecule (or biomolecule, or class of biomolecules) from the body fluid of a mammal via a closed circuit device. The device contains a series of chambers and connecting lines and valves, and also may contain a separation unit similar to an apheresis device. The device is able to modify the molecule by the attachment of a secondary molecule, by cross- linking the captured molecule, or by altering the structure of the molecule. The methods and apparatus can be used to return the modified molecule to the mammalian subject for the patient-specific diagnosis and/or treatment of a disease state. The methods and apparatus may also be employed as a closed system for the purification and/or modification of a target molecule from a fluid source such as a perfusion bioreactor.
