Microfluidic cell sorting - A new approach towards implantable artificial lungs

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Extracorporeal lung assist (ECLA) is a life saving measure for patients suffering from acute pulmonary failure. Despite several improvements of recent ECLA devices (e.g. anticoagulant coatings, reduced shear stress, miniaturization), the technology is still prone to diverse complications. Thrombus formation on the membrane is still one of the most critical events. New concepts are needed to reach the next level in artificial lung assist (ALA) technology, aiming towards long term hemocompatible and implantable artificial lungs. Within the SPP 2014 this project targets the implementation of microfluidic cell sorting technology as a fundamental new strategy in ALA research. As a feasibility proof we developed a cell sorting device which already enables platelet separation of up to 73% from the remaining blood flow assigned for re-oxygenation. In this three staged project, we aim at the advancement of the first cell sorting device to a platelet-bypass for ALA systems which should reduce platelet contact to the oxygenator membrane, and enable reunification of the platelets with the re-oxygenated blood after the membrane lung passage (A). This should limit coagulation-, and inflammation activation, and finally thrombus formation on the membrane. The coagulation activating and gas transport properties of such a microfluidic-based ALA system will be assess in vitro (Mock Loop, B) and in vivo in a mouse ECLA model (C).