DIFFUSION BARRIER COATING FOR BLOOD PUMPS

DESCRIPTION (Adapted from applicant's abstract): The investigators propose to develop a diffusion barrier to be used on blood pumps as well as other soft-tissue implants. The barrier is to be provided by a thin Titanium Nitride (TiN) coating deposited on the plastic membranes of implants. The demonstration of the diffusion barrier coating will be carried out using pulsatile blood pumps which are currently under development and designed for long-term use. The investigators describe a unique capability to apply, using a sputtering technique, biocompatible ceramics such as TiN to polymers at room temperature. The resulting coating is reported to be amorphous and tolerates flex and stretch without disruption of the barrier. The aim of the work is to alleviate what are identified as two of the most significant problems with pulsatile blood pumps, namely, diffusion of fluids from the pump system and diffusion of body fluids into the pump system. $ = TOTAL AWARD AMTS & NOT LIMITED TO PORTION OF PROJECT RELATED TO SUBJECT OF SEARCH SUBPROJECT $ = TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT DIVIDED BY NUMBER OF SUBPROJECTS SOURCE: CRISP FORMAT F FY 97 LAST UPDATE 04-07-98 1QUERY 1536 ID SEARCH 06/01/98 PAGE 442 --PROJECT NUMBER......1 R43 HL59046-01 INVESTIGATOR NAME/ADDRESS FY 97 LAWMAN, PATRICIA D IRG/INTRAMURAL UNIT..ZRG2 MORPHOGENESIS, INC AWARD AMOUNT......... $98,770 12085 RESEARCH DRIVE ALACHUA, FL 32615 PERFORMING ORGANIZATION: MORPHOGENESIS, INC. TITLE GENE REPLACEMENT OF DEFECTIVE BETA GLOBIN GENES ABSTRACT: The purpose of the proposed research is to develop a gene targeting vector as a potential treatment for patients with Beta-hemoglobinopathies, in particular, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Since any correction of the mutations responsible for these diseases must maintain the highly coordinated regulation of beta-globin expression, we are investigating the potential of targeted gene replacement via homologous recombination as a therapy, the ultimate goal being the permanent correction of genetic defects in the beta-globin gene, and thus a possible cure for SCD and other globin diseases. A targeting construct capable of undergoing homologous recombination with the defective beta-globin locus will be generated, and will contain a pair of novel high efficiency selectable markers that will allow us to rapidly and efficiently isolate correctly targeted cells by flow cytometry. Phase II studies would be directed towards standardization and optimization of delivery and production for future clinical use. Commercially appealing aspects of this approach are: the high incidence of hemoglobinopathies, the fact that current treatments for these diseases and their numerous complications are ineffective and extremely costly, and the proposed therapy would be economical, quick, safe, free of side-effects and offers the potential for a permanent cure.