Membrane app: development of complex biomedical systems incorporating biocompatible membranes

Responsible: Sdrenka, S.

Membranes fulfill numerous technical functions and are ideally suited for separating compartments while ensuring mass transfer depending on pore size and the size of the molecules for which membrane permeability must be guaranteed. In particular, the properties related to mass transport and exchange, as well as microfluidics and hydrodynamic pore flow, are of the utmost interest for many applications in the biomedical field. The joining technology for integrating (micro)membranes to separate compartments into complex microstructured components—such as in organ-on-a-chip models—as well as the integration of joining technology with fabrication technology present a major challenge. The membrane itself is typically a porous film with specific properties that requires careful handling to prevent damage prior to use. With regard to the serial manufacturing process using variothermal micro-injection molding, joining the membrane to complex microcomponents poses a particularly complex challenge due to minimal bonding surfaces and geometric, process-related, and application-specific constraints.
 

The joint project goal is to develop a joining technology (in conjunction with the manufacturing technology, variothermal microinjection molding) to address these challenges and to make it economically viable. As part of this development, three specific products or biomedical applications from the partners will be addressed: a cell separation module including a separation matrix based on agarose beads/silica beads (IBA), perfusion inserts with and without an integrated multichannel membrane system for optimized fluid delivery to 3D cell culture models (iba e.V.), and a cell barrier chip with a focus on flow channel design and membrane cell compatibility (IMT), specifically developed to optimally combine the functionalities of the membrane with process requirements. In doing so, the processes (joining technology and variothermal injection molding), the respective biomedical application, and the required sterilization must be implemented in such a way that optimal efficiency can be achieved in conjunction with the manufacturing capabilities. The joint project between PUK and TPK focuses on process and mold development. The goal is to combine all products into a single injection molding tool. Furthermore, the technological development of joining technology expands the range of manufacturing technologies available for mold production and series production using the injection molding process. The knowledge gained through this collaboration can be scaled to other applications and products across all partners, thereby sustainably strengthening the project partners’ knowledge and technology portfolio for future market conditions.

 

The cooperation project is a joint initiative of

At the Clausthal Center for Materials Technology (CZM), the project is part of the research cluster “Polymer systems, microsensors, and biologization,” thereby sharpening the research profile and the focus of the work.