Systems and Methods Using Multiple Solvents for the Removal of Lipids from Fluids

Abstract

This invention is directed to systems and methods for removing lipids from a fluid or from lipid-containing organisms from a fluid, such as plasma. These systems combine a fluid with at least one extraction solvent, which causes the lipids to separate from the fluid or from the lipid-containing organisms. The separated lipids are removed from the fluid. The at least one extraction solvent is removed from the fluid or at least reduced to a concentration enabling the fluid to be administered to a patient without undesirable consequences. Once the fluid has been processed, the fluid may be administered to a patient who donated the fluid or to a different patient for therapy.

1 - 70 . (canceled) 
     
     
         71 . A method for removing lipids from a fluid containing lipids or from lipid-containing organisms, the method comprising:
 supplying a first extraction solvent from a first extraction solvent source;   contacting the fluid and the first extraction solvent using at least one in-line static mixer to form a first mixture;   passing at least a portion of the first mixture to a first solvent removal device comprising a vortexer;   supplying a second extraction solvent from a second extraction solvent source;   contacting the portion of the first mixture and a second extraction solvent using the vortexer to form a second mixture; and   passing at least a portion of the second mixture to a second solvent removal device.   
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein passing at least a portion of the second mixture to a second solvent removal device comprises contacting the second mixture with a gas or mineral oil using at least one hollow fiber contactor to remove any remaining solvents. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein contacting the fluid and the first extraction solvent in the at least one in-line static mixer to form a first mixture further comprises dissolving at least a portion of the lipids. 
     
     
         74 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein contacting the portion of the first mixture and a second extraction solvent to form a second mixture further comprises dissolving at least a portion of the first extraction solvent and additional lipids. 
     
     
         75 . The method of  claim 71 , further comprising passing the first mixture to a centrifuge and spinning the first mixture prior to passing at least a portion of the first mixture to the first solvent removal device. 
     
     
         76 . A method for removing lipids from a fluid containing lipids or from lipid-containing organisms, the method comprising:
 supplying a first extraction solvent from a first extraction solvent source;   contacting the fluid and the first extraction solvent using at least one drip through column to form a first mixture;   passing at least a portion of the first mixture to a first solvent removal device;   supplying a second extraction solvent from a second extraction solvent source;   contacting the portion of the first mixture and a second extraction solvent to form a second mixture; and   passing at least a portion of the second mixture to a second solvent removal device.   
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein passing at least a portion of the second mixture to a second solvent removal device comprises contacting the second mixture with a gas or mineral oil using at least one hollow fiber contactor to remove any remaining solvents. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein contacting the fluid and the first extraction solvent in the at least one drip through column to form a first mixture further comprises dissolving at least a portion of the lipids. 
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein contacting the portion of the first mixture and a second extraction solvent to form a second mixture further comprises dissolving at least a portion of the first extraction solvent and additional lipids. 
     
     
         80 . A method for removing lipids from a fluid containing lipids or from lipid-containing organisms, the method comprising:
 supplying a first extraction solvent from a first extraction solvent source;   contacting the fluid and the first extraction solvent to form a first mixture;   passing at least a portion of the first mixture to at least one drip through column;   supplying a second extraction solvent from a second extraction solvent source;   contacting the portion of the first mixture and a second extraction solvent using the at least one drip through column to form a second mixture; and   passing at least a portion of the second mixture to a second solvent removal device.   
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 80 , wherein passing at least a portion of the second mixture to a second solvent removal device comprises contacting the second mixture with a gas or mineral oil using at least one hollow fiber contactor to remove any remaining solvents. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 80 , wherein contacting the fluid and the first extraction solvent to form a first mixture further comprises dissolving at least a portion of the lipids. 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 80 , wherein contacting the portion of the first mixture and a second extraction solvent using the at least one drip through column to form a second mixture further comprises dissolving at least a portion of the first extraction solvent and additional lipids.