What material was used to construct the first dialyzer created by Dr. William Kolff in 1943?

The first dialyzer created by Dr. William Kolff in 1943 utilized cellophane as the primary material. Cellophane was a groundbreaking choice because it allowed for the selective passage of small molecules, effectively mimicking the function of healthy kidneys to remove waste products from the blood. The semi-permeable nature of cellophane was crucial for the diffusion processes involved in dialysis, which rely on the movement of solutes across a membrane. This innovation laid the groundwork for modern dialysis treatments.

Other materials like glass, rubber, and Teflon have their own uses in various medical applications but did not play a role in the construction of the original dialyzer designed by Kolff. Glass lacks the flexibility and biocompatibility needed for such applications, while rubber could impede the necessary transport of fluids. Teflon, while useful for blood contact surfaces due to its inert nature, was not used in the first dialyzer's design, which focused on cellophane as a crucial component for achieving effective dialysis.