3D-printed membrane increases oxygen transfer in artificial lungs by up to 88%
For people with severe lung diseases, a transplant of a healthy organ is often their only chance of survival. However, donor lungs are in short supply. A new artificial lung could provide a solution.
A novel 3D-printed membrane architecture developed by researchers at Hannover Medical School and RWTH Aachen University has significantly increased oxygen transfer in artificial lungs by up to 88%. This advancement could lead to more efficient and compact ECMO systems, as well as implantable biohybrid lungs. The triply periodic minimal surfaces (TPMS) structure, inspired by the natural design of alveoli, enables more uniform blood flow and reduced resistance.
Made from a biocompatible and chemically stable silicone polymer, the TPMS membranes can be easily customized using 3D printing and may colonize endothelial cells for improved hemocompatibility. While the current TPMS structures do not yet match the packing density of natural alveoli, they still offer significant improvements over conventional hollow-fiber membranes.
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