Kalvonvaihto

Kalvonvaihto, meaning “membrane exchange” in Finnish, refers to processes in which a membrane or the surface of a membrane is replaced, swapped, or modified within a system. The term is used across fields that work with selective barriers, including biology, medicine, and chemical engineering.

In biomedical research, kalvonvaihto can describe experiments where cell membranes are transferred between cells or where the membrane of an artificial cell is replaced to study membrane-associated processes, signaling, and transport. Lipid-exchange approaches aim to alter the composition of membranes to influence properties such as permeability and interactions with proteins.

In clinical and industrial contexts, the term covers exchanging membranes in devices and modules to restore performance or to alter selectivity and compatibility. Examples include replacing dialysis membranes or other selective barriers in medical devices, and swapping membranes in filtration or separation equipment to meet different process conditions.

Implementation typically involves removing the old membrane, preparing and installing the new one, and stabilizing the system under operating conditions. Decisions about material, thickness, pore size, and chemical resistance affect safety, efficiency, and longevity. Potential challenges include leaks, fouling, immune or inflammatory responses in biological applications, and higher costs compared with maintaining existing membranes.

See also: Membrane technology, lipid exchange, dialysis, biomaterials.