Microencapsulated genetically engineered E. coli DH5 cells for plasma urea and ammonia removal based on: 1. Column bioreactor and 2. Oral administration in uremic rats.

Abstract

We report a novel approach for plasma urea and ammonia removal using artificial cells microencapsulated genetically engineered bacteria E. coli DH5 cells. This has been evaluated for use in a column bioreactor for removing plasma urea and ammonia. It has also been evaluated in uremic rats for urea removal by oral administration. In 30 minutes, microencapsulated E. coli DH5 in a column bioreactor in-vitro lowered plasma urea to 10.47 +/- 3.45 mg/dl from 45.85 +/- 2.98 mg/dl and lowered plasma ammonia concentration to 46.00 +/- 4.00 microM from 679 +/- 32 microM/1. The efficiency of this bioreactor for plasma urea and ammonia removal is much higher than any other available methods. Initial plasma urea and ammonia concentration does not affect the plasma urea and ammonia removal efficiency of the column bioreactor. In in-vivo studies of oral administration to uremic rats, both free and encapsulated bacteria both lowered systemic urea from the initial 52.08 (S.D.2.37) mg/dl to 10.58 (S.D.0.85) mg/dl. Unlike free bacteria, microencapsulated bacteria was not retained in the intestine.