Use of osmotic agents in microdialysis studies to improve the recovery of macromolecules

The availability of microdialysis probes with higher molecular weight cutoff membranes has made it possible to measure larger molecular weight compounds like bioactive peptides and proteins. However, the higher molecular weight membrane cutoff allows for increased fluid loss from the probe, influencing both the physiology of the tissue compartment and analyte recovery. This study examined the ability of osmotic agents like bovine serum albumin (BSA) to offset the water loss from the microdialysis probe. In the presence of BSA, water loss from the microdialysis probe was minimized. Furthermore, addition of BSA to the perfusate produced significant increases in analyte recovery. Application of this technique to the measurement of bioactive macromolecules was examined using in vitro microdialysis of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1B). The results of the present study suggest osmotic agents like BSA can prevent fluid loss from the microdialysis probe and improve analyte recovery.