Biomimetic Membranes for Organ Support

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is seen in huge numbers of patients worldwide, respiratory diseases are the third largest cause of death in the EU. Currently available therapy options for respiratory failure are associated with high morbidity and mortality. In BioMembrOS, we follow a groundbreaking new biomimetic approach, and replicate main characteristics of the most effective respiration found in vertebrates, mainly birds and fish, in order to develop membrane structures that will serve as key elements for a novel generation of artificial respiration devices. To reach this goal, we will optimize geometry of the membrane structure by mimicking microstructure of the gills of fish to increase outer surface per membrane area, mimicking globular shape of the gas transporting inner lumen and interconnected arrangement of membrane fibers of avian respiration; design and control flow characteristics and boundary layer applying µPIV experimental flow investigations and CFD assisted design optimization; design and synthesize bi-soft segment polyurethane membranes with increased hemocompatibility and gas permeability with phase inversion; and d) verify and benchmark the boosted mass transfer capabilities by in-vitro blood tests.