ESAO Archive - BioMembrOS

ESAO Winter School 2026

From February 25th to 27th 2026, our PhD student Jing Jing Xu participated in the ESAO winter school 2026, hosted by KU Leuven. The winter school focused on the topic of Artificial Lungs and brought together early-career researchers, clinicians, and experts working in the field of artificial organs.

Throughout the program, participants explored current challenges and advances in artificial lung technologies, including membrane development, gas exchange performance, and clinical applications. Lectures and discussions provided valuable insights into the latest research and highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the field, connecting engineering, medicine, and biomaterials science.

Beyond the scientific sessions, the winter school also offered an excellent opportunity for networking and exchange with researchers from across Europe and beyond. Events like this provide a great platform to discuss ideas, learn from leading experts, and build connections within the international artificial organ community.

Introduction to ESAO Winter School at KU Leuven, with the topic ,"Artificial lungs"

Castle of KU Leuven with a park in front and trees in the back

Presentation about Implantable Artificial Lung at ESAO Winter School

Participants badge of our PhD student Jing Jing Xu

Entrance hall of ESAO Winter School 2026

ESAO 2025

From June 25 to 28, 2025, we participated in the annual congress of the European Society for Artificial Organs (ESAO), hosted at the University of Twente in Enschede, Netherlands. The international event brought together researchers, clinicians, and engineers to exchange ideas and present the latest advances in artificial organs and organ support technologies.

Our partners from Instituto Superior Técnico (Técnico Lisboa) presented their poster:
“Mixed Matrix Membranes, Cellulose Acetate/Silica/Metal Organic Framework, for Protein-bound Uremic Toxins Removal in the Artificial Kidney”
The work focuses on the development of advanced membrane materials designed to improve the removal of protein-bound uremic toxins, which remain a major challenge in artificial kidney treatment. By combining cellulose acetate with silica and metal–organic framework components, the research explores innovative strategies to enhance membrane performance and selectivity.

In addition to the poster presentation, the BioMembrOS team actively engaged with the scientific community throughout the conference. We distributed project leaflets, presented our research activities, and connected with fellow researchers working on artificial lungs, kidneys, and related membrane technologies. The event provided an excellent platform to exchange knowledge, discuss new developments, and strengthen collaborations.

Monica Faria and two others standing around a round table with a black cloth

BioMembrOS leaflets fanned out in a woman's hands. Behind her is a wooden table with a blue ESAO 2025 banner with white lettering hanging behind it.

BioMembrOS leaflets fanned out on a wooden table, next to a metal bowl with pens in it