Assessing and improving the biocompatibility of microfluidic artificial lungs

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Microfluidic artificial lungs (µALs) offer potential for acute and chronic lung injury treatment.
• Improving µAL biocompatibility is crucial for long-term use and patient safety, minimizing anticoagulation needs.
• Current research on µAL biocompatibility, especially in vivo, is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate strategies for enhancing µAL biocompatibility.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating and nitric oxide (NO) in the sweep gas.
• To assess the combined effect of PEG coating and NO on µAL blood compatibility in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• In vitro and in vivo testing of µALs challenged with clottable blood or platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
• Monitoring device lifetime as the primary indicator of biocompatibility (patent and unobstructed flow).
• Utilizing a rabbit model for extended in vivo biocompatibility assessment.

Main Results:

• In vitro, µALs with NO in the sweep gas showed significantly longer patency with PRP compared to controls.
• In vivo, neither PEG coating nor NO sweep gas alone significantly improved biocompatibility in the rabbit model.
• The combination of PEG coating and NO sweep gas significantly improved µAL device lifetime in vivo.

Conclusions:

• Nitric oxide (NO) release in the sweep gas enhances in vitro blood compatibility of microfluidic artificial lungs (µALs).
• A combined approach of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating and NO sweep gas significantly improves in vivo biocompatibility and device longevity.
• This study provides a foundation for developing more effective and clinically viable µALs.