The recent situation of research and development on the following items is surveyed:
(1) The characteristics (structure and functions) of biological membranes and synthetic membranes.
(2) Materials, structures and shapes of the various kinds of the membrane separator.
(3) Artificial organs-Partial substitution of some biological functions by synthetic polymers, for example, skin, eye, lung and kidney.
(4) A role of synthetic membranes for use in the systems of blood component separation, blood purification and plasma exchange.
(5) A co-operation of the artificial membrane with the biological substances - A cell culture on the surface of the synthetic membranes.
