Bionic oxygenator

The principle of bionics is the application of solutions found in nature to the solving of technical problems. In our case, this means a feasibility study for the possibility of the formation of stable alveole-similar protrubences on the surface of the capillary or disc membrane which separates the liquid (blood or nutrient solution) from the gas (oxygen). A distinct increase in the efficiency of oxygenators and bioreactors for cell cultures would be possible.

Work plan:

1. Layout of the oxygenator according to the new principle for the oxygenation of blood and the nutrient solution — thickness of the membrane layers, size of the openings and of the protrubences, volume flow and pressures
2. Development and construction of a test chamber for microscopic examination
3. Production of new oxygenator membranes with different coating materials and the testing thereof in the testing chamber

Result application:
The aim is an increase of the efficiency of the oxygenators and as a result a reduction in their size which would allow the development of implantable oxygenators. Additionally, incentives should be set for the development of bioreactors.