Extracorporeal Removal of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances by Hemoadsorption: In vitro Kinetic Model

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are known water pollutants leading to potential public health consequences. High blood levels of PFAS have been associated with several pathological conditions including testicular and kidney cancer. Classic extracorporeal therapies have demonstrated limited efficiency, and new approaches should be explored. In this study, we studied the possible role of hemoadsorption to achieve a fast, safe, and effective removal of PFAS from blood in patients with high blood levels. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We developed an in vitro model of hemoadsorption to test the potential of PFAS removal by extracorporeal treatment. We recirculated a highly polluted batch of water (4 L) through a sorbent cartridge (Jafron Medical, Zhuhai, China) for 120 min at a flow of 150 mL/min. We collected samples at different time points and analyzed 39 different PFAS compounds. <b><i>Results:</i></b> For the PFAS compounds with concentrations significantly above normal, we observed a removal ratio close to 90% already within the first 60 min of circulation leading to almost complete elimination of all pollutants at 120 min. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The in vitro model of hemoadsorption suggests the possible application in vivo of this technique to reduce/normalize the concentrations of PFAS in patients exposed to water or environmental pollution.