Scaled-up Microfluidic Lung Assist Device for Artificial Placenta Application with High Gas Exchange Capacity.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Neonatal Respiratory Support
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Premature neonates often require respiratory support due to underdeveloped lungs.
• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used but associated with morbidity.
• Artificial placenta (AP) offers a noninvasive alternative, but challenges remain in gas transfer and priming volume for microfluidic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance gas exchange capacity and reduce priming volume of a microfluidic-based artificial placenta-type lung assist device (LAD).
• To demonstrate the effectiveness of a LAD utilizing scaled-up microfluidic blood oxygenators (MBOs).

Main Methods:

• Developed a modified fabrication process for large-area, thin-film MBOs with high gas exchange surface.
• Assembled a LAD using these scaled-up MBOs.
• Tested the LAD's performance in terms of oxygen saturation increase, pressure drop, and blood flow rates.

Main Results:

• The LAD increased oxygen saturation by 30% at 40 mL/min flow and 23 mmHg pressure drop in room air, supporting 1 kg neonates.
• In pure oxygen, the LAD can support up to 2 kg neonates.
• The device handled high flow rates (up to 150 mL/min) with a ~20% oxygen saturation increase, demonstrating high oxygen transfer.

Conclusions:

• The developed artificial placenta-type LAD effectively supports premature neonates with respiratory distress.
• The improved design addresses challenges of gas transfer and priming volume in microfluidic lung assist devices.
• This technology shows promise for essential respiratory support in neonates weighing 1-2 kg.