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An artificial gill system for oxygen uptake from water using perfluorooctylbromide | JoVE Visualize

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An artificial gill system for oxygen uptake from water using perfluorooctylbromide

H Haramoto¹, K Kokubo, K Sakai

¹Department of Chemical Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan.

ASAIO Journal (American Society for Artificial Internal Organs : 1992)|July 1, 1994

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers developed an artificial gill system using perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) to extract dissolved oxygen from seawater. This technology enables a stable oxygen supply from water to air, potentially allowing extended underwater human activity.

Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Marine Biology
Materials Science

Background:

Human underwater exploration is limited by the availability of breathable oxygen.
Current methods for underwater oxygen supply are insufficient for extended durations.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop an artificial gill system for extracting dissolved oxygen from seawater.
To assess the efficacy of perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) as an oxygen carrier.

Main Methods:

An artificial gill system was designed using hollow fiber membranes.
Perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB), a liquid with high oxygen solubility, was used as the oxygen transport medium.
Oxygen transfer rates from seawater to PFOB and subsequently to deoxygenated air were measured.

Main Results:

Rapid oxygen transfer from seawater to PFOB was observed when water flowed outside the hollow fibers.
Oxygen transfer from PFOB to deoxygenated air was identified as the rate-limiting step.
The PFOB-based system demonstrated a stable and continuous supply of oxygen from water to air over extended periods.

Conclusions:

Perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) effectively functions as an oxygen storage medium in artificial gill systems.
The developed artificial gill technology shows promise for enabling longer human presence underwater.
Further optimization of the membrane transfer step is needed to enhance overall system efficiency.

Maritime Engineering

Ship And Platform Structures (incl. Maritime Hydrodynamics)

An Artificial Gill System For Oxygen Uptake From Water Using Perfluorooctylbromide