Portable Oxygen-Enriching Systems for Lung Disorders

Many lung disorder patients (cystic fibrosis, COPD) require supplemental oxygen. Studies showboth quality and length of life improves if these patients maintain active mobile lives. Their mobility islimited, since many need to stay near their supplemental oxygen source. Portable oxygen enriching air(OEA) membrane systems could provide the needed portability to improve these patients' lives. We willdevelop novel high permeability perfluoropolymers into hollow fiber thin film compostic (HF-TFC)membrane systems. These perfluoropolymers have excellent oxygen permeability, oxygen/nitrogenselectivity and thin film forming capability. Using techniques previously demonstrated on other glassypolymers, we will make HF-TFC with 20 times more flux than existing systems. Combining thesemodules with existing vacuum pumps and batteries, we can supply 5 liters/minute of OEA from an eightpound system. This OEA is humidified, which patients value. Phase I will demonstrate proof of HF-TFCconcept with 2 micron films. Phase II will focus on improving critical parameters and preparing a numberof expanded area modules with coating thicknesses of 0.1-0.5 microns for clinical trials.