HORIZONEU Archive - BioMembrOS

Mohsen Baghaei at the TMTH 2025

From July 21–25, 2025, the 11th International Symposium on Turbulence, Heat and Mass Transfer (THMT’25) took place in Tokyo, Japan. This prestigious event brings together researchers from around the world to exchange the latest findings in fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, and their applications across engineering and biomedical sciences.

We are proud to share that Seyedmohsen Baghaei Oskouei from TU Wien, representing our BioMembrOS sister project HiELuVent, actively contributed to the scientific program. He delivered an oral presentation entitled:

“Enhanced Oxygen Delivery during Pulsatile Bi-Level Ventilation”

His talk sparked engaging discussions and drew strong interest from the international audience, highlighting innovative approaches to improving artificial respiration by applying advanced fluid dynamics principles.

Beyond the scientific exchange, the symposium also offered an excellent opportunity to connect with peers in the field and to experience Japan’s vibrant culture. While the Tokyo summer was very warm and humid, the well-equipped conference facilities provided a comfortable environment for focused discussions and networking.

Participation in THMT’25 not only strengthened the visibility of our research within the international scientific community but also underlined the importance of collaboration across disciplines and borders. Insights and feedback gained during the symposium will further support the development of innovative solutions within HiELuVent and the broader BioMembrOS network.

We warmly thank the organizers of THMT’25 for hosting such an inspiring and well-structured conference and look forward to continuing the dialogue with the global research community.

Mohsen Baghaei presenting “Enhanced Oxygen Delivery during Pulsatile Bi-Level Ventilation”

People are sitting, in the front a screen says "Welcome THMT' 25"

Mohsen Baghaei in front of the THMT Banner

LaPMET Scientific Meeting 2025

We are pleased to share that BioMembrOS team members from Técnico Lisboa — Monica Faria, Aline de Mitri, and Tiago Ferreira — took part in the 2nd Jornadas LaPMET hosted at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP).

The event gathered researchers from the fields of physics, materials science, and emerging technologies, fostering a dynamic environment for scientific exchange and collaboration. Our colleagues actively contributed to the discussions, strengthening connections within the research community and highlighting the breadth of expertise represented in the BioMembrOS consortium.

Participation in such events is an important step in building bridges across disciplines and showcasing how innovative materials and technologies can drive progress in biomimetic artificial respiration.

Consortium Meeting in Johannesburg

On July 8–9, 2025, the BioMembrOS consortium came together at the University of Johannesburg for a productive and inspiring project meeting.

Despite the chilly winter temperatures, our team received a warm and generous welcome from our hosts. The meeting was held in a hybrid format, with some partners attending on-site while others joined online. This setup allowed for broad participation and created the opportunity for lively, inclusive discussions.

Day 1 focused on presenting recent progress, highlighting key results, and fostering interdisciplinary exchange. The day concluded with a joint dinner — an excellent opportunity to connect informally and strengthen personal ties within the consortium.

Day 2 looked toward the future, with in-depth discussions on how the project will proceed. Partners worked together to align next steps, refine milestones, and share ideas for upcoming collaborations. A highlight of the day was the opportunity to visit our colleagues’ laboratories, offering valuable first-hand insights into the impressive facilities supporting the research.

We extend our sincere thanks to our colleagues in Johannesburg for their excellent organization, warm hospitality, and the inspiring exchange of ideas. With strong collaboration and clear plans ahead, the consortium is well-positioned to advance the BioMembrOS mission: developing the next generation of biomimetic artificial respiration devices.

Most of the on site team at dinner in a lovely restaurant

A fountain inside a little pond, surrounded by trees and lawn. In the background a building of the university of Johannesburg

The team sitting around U-aligned tables in a conference room

A table with four plates with some snacks. Above is some wooden africen art on the dark blue wall

Fountain in the middle, surrounded by trees and lawn with Students in red and grey uniforms sitting on it. In the back a building of the university of Johannesburg

trhee white plates with snacks, cookies, cheese and vegetables on a colorful tablecloth in front of a dark blue wall

The Entrance to the University of Johannesburg. From the path with red bricks, some stairs lead up to the building, that is a combination of red and grey bricks and a has huge glass windows

Our team in front of the University of Johannesburg

Seyyed Hossein Monsefi Estakhrposhti publishes in Journal of Membrane Science

We are proud to congratulate our PhD Researcher Seyyed Hossein Monsefi Estakhrposhti on the publication of his peer-reviewed article titled „Optimizing hollow fiber membrane oxygenators: A multi-objective approach for improved gas exchange and reduced blood damage“ in the Journal of Membrane Science. This publication contributes important insights into one of the key challenges in extracorporeal life support systems: the balance between efficient gas exchange and minimizing blood trauma.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a critical life-saving technology used in the treatment of patients with severe heart and lung failure. However, its clinical application is often limited by serious complications such as hemolysis and thrombosis. These issues highlight the urgent need for improved hollow fiber membrane oxygenator (HFMO) designs that enhance performance while safeguarding biocompatibility.

This study introduces a robust multi-objective optimization framework designed to improve oxygenator efficiency and reduce blood damage. By employing a two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model validated through micro-PIV measurements, the research evaluates 200 configurations of hollow fiber bundles. These are defined by key geometric parameters (fiber diameter, distance-to-diameter ratio, and fiber angle) and operational conditions (blood flow rate).

Three performance objectives were investigated:

Specific CO₂ removal (representing gas exchange efficiency),
Dead-zone-to-total-area ratio (an indicator of thrombosis potential),
Hemolysis index (quantifying red blood cell damage).

These objectives were modeled using multivariate polynomial functions with unknown exponents, optimized using a modified enhanced Jaya algorithm. Both single- and multi-objective optimization strategies were applied using Pareto front analysis, followed by decision-making techniques such as weighted sum and goal programming.

Key results include a maximum specific CO₂ removal of 250.3 mLCO₂ min⁻¹ m⁻², a minimum dead-zone ratio of 0.0254%, and a hemolysis index as low as 0.011 × 10⁻³%. The study identifies the distance-to-diameter ratio as the most influential geometric factor affecting all target objectives. Optimal designs feature a small fiber diameter, low inclination angle, moderate distance-to-diameter ratio, and a high blood flow rate—demonstrating a careful balance between enhanced performance and reduced biological stress.

Published in the Journal of Membrane Science, a very prestigious journal in the field of membrane research and separation technologies, this work sets a strong foundation for the future development of safer, more efficient oxygenators for intensive care and emergency medicine applications.

You can access the full article here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0376738825005411?via%3Dihub

Navile Day 2025

On May 28, researchers Giusi Montante and Katia Pellico represented the BioMembrOS project at Navile Day 2025, hosted by the University of Bologna. The event brought together academics, students, and professionals for a full day dedicated to research and innovation on the Unibo Navile campus.

The program featured a wide range of activities — including scientific presentations, case studies, poster sessions, patent showcases, one-on-one research meetings, and a dedicated Recruiting Day with companies from the chemical-pharmaceutical sector. Navile Day served as a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and building new connections between academia and industry.

As part of the BioMemBros initiative, Giusi and Katia presented the poster:
“Computational Design and Mass Transfer Modelling of Biomimetic Membranes for Organ Support”
Their contribution highlighted ongoing work in biomimetic membrane development aimed at supporting artificial respiration — a key objective of the Horizon Europe-funded project.

We’re proud to have taken part in this inspiring day and thank the organizers and all participants for a truly valuable experience.

Consortium Meeting in Bologna

The BioMembrOS Project Team gathered at Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna for an engaging two-day consortium meeting, packed with insightful discussions, project updates, and strategic planning. This meeting was even more special as it came right after our one-year anniversary—a milestone worth celebrating!

We wrapped up the event with a fantastic dinner together—great food, great company, and inspiring conversations.

A big thank you to everyone who participated. Here’s to another year of innovation, collaboration and great teamwork!

th BioMembrOS team in the conference room, sitting at tables in U formation anmd listening to a presentation

The BioMembrOS team sitting at a table waiting for dinner

The BioMembrOS Team in front of a wall with the Zoom interface of Michael Harasek projected on to it

Seyyed Monsefi and Jing Jing Xu at RWTH Aachen

PhD Students Seyyed Monsefi and Jing Jing Xu from TU Wien have been kindly invited by Prof. Khosrow Mottaghy and Dr. Ali Kashefi to join them for two days at RWTH Aachen. During this time they got a great insight into their work and current problems, discussed challenges and got new input to evolve the BioMembrOS Project together.

European Researchers Night 2024

On 27th September 2024 we had the opportunity to present the BioMembrOS project at the European Researchers’ Night 2024. We were represented by Professor Mónica Faria with the Support of Post Doc Rita Pires, Phd Student Flavia Rodrigues and Master Students Margarida Valente and Johanna Grimm. Thanks to their help, the booth ran smoothly during the whole evening.

Our booth was set up at „Pavilhão do Conhecimento“ (Pavilion of Knowledge) and we were present from 6pm until midnight. With approximately 1800 event attendees, the night was a success.

In our booth visitors were able to see and interact with a lab-scale extracorporeal (false) blood circulation setup, fabricate flat sheet membranes and become familiar with the project.

Euromembrane 2024

BioMembrOS was at the Euromembrane 2024 Conference in Prague, Czech Republic, 08.-12.09.2024.

We really enjoyed the exchange of ideas with so many different people and listened to some great presentations.

ERS Congress 2024

BioMembrOS at the ERS Congress in Vienna!

With many inspiring discussions and presentations, we are happy to see a number of applications where we hope to be able to assist with our research in the close future.

This was also the first time we distributed our brand new leaflet!

ESB 2024

Margit Gföhler, Georgios Aronis and Seyyed Hossein Monsefi Estakhrposhti represented us at the 29th Congress of European Society of Biomechanics in Edinburgh, Scotland from 30th June to 3rd July 2024.

Margit Gföhler and Georgios Aronis have been invited to be Chair and Co-Chair of the Session „Ergonomics and occupational biomechanics + humanoid robotics and mechatronics“

Georgios and Seyyed held two presentations:

S. H. Monsefi, M. Harasek, M. Gfoehler: „Oxygen transport modeling in extracorporeal membrane oxygenators with sinusoidal fiber morphology“

G. Aronis, M. Gföhler, T. Angeli: „Effect of upper limb Exoskeleton on muscular activity of the user“