ABSTRACT Membranes in artificial Liver and Pancreas

Membrane technology is of major importance in medical applications ; in particular in a number of lifesaving treatment methods. This paper covers the main medical applications of artificial membranes. Specific attention is given to artificial organs which seem to dominate the interest of the membrane community this period. In all cases, the materials, methods and the current state of the art are evaluated and future prospects are discussed. This review shows the important role of membrane science and technology in medical applications but also highlights the importance of collaboration of membrane scientists with others (biologists, bioengineers, medical doctors, etc.) in order to address the complicated challenges in this field.