Nature-inspired membranes for artificial respiration - Production of Micro-structured polymer hollow fibers

  • Posted on: 14 July 2022
  • By: ygfoehler
TitleNature-inspired membranes for artificial respiration - Production of Micro-structured polymer hollow fibers
Publication TypeConference Paper
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsPekovits M, Ecker P, Imran F, Kalarus JAgnieszka, Harasek M, Gföhler M
Conference NameESB 2022
Date Published06/2022
PublisherESB 2022
Conference LocationPorto, Portugal
Abstract

Modern respiratory support devices such asextracorporeal membrane oxygenators use state-of-theart technology to provide the best possible support forthe weakened human lungs of patients suffering fromsevere forms of respiratory disease. However, thesurvival rate after ECMO treatment is still low at 60-70% [1]. Part of this mortality rate can be attributed tohemodynamic complications caused by the blood primevolume, which is a critical limiting factor for the designand size of oxygenators [2].A promising approach to making such devices moreefficient is demonstrated by nature using the example offish. Micro-ridges in gills increase the respiratorysurface area and lead to transverse flows, promotingoxygen diffusion, resulting in a decreased mass transferresistance [3]. Recent CFD simulations utilize thisbiomimetic approach and show that micro-structuringhollow fiber membranes is a viable way to increase thevolume to gas exchange area ratio but may also carry therisk of increased thrombus formation [4].This work presents the production of micro-structuredhollow fiber membranes via the non-solvent inducedphase separation (NIPS) technique and evaluation ofseparation performance and flow characteristics. 

URLhttps://esbiomech2022.org/