Jennifer Wang
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Alvaro Rojas-Peña
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Surgery-Transplantation / Medicine
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 1 (9:00am – 9:50am)
Authors: Jennifer Wang, Andrew Zhang, Alvaro Rojas-Pena, Joseph Potkay
Abstract
Artificial lungs are used in patients waiting for a lung transplant but are limited in their functions due to biocompatibility and size. Microfluidic artificial lungs (µAL) perform gas exchange while overcoming issues current artificial lungs face. An automated method to create a microfluidic artificial lung (µAL) using layers of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a gas-permeable silicone used in medical devices, would bring µAL technology to human-scale applications. Specifically, prior research of a single-layer rolled µAL demonstrated that clinical applications of µALs would require the ability to create devices with many layers of microfluidics. Here, we modified a commercial laser engraver to engrave microstructures on layers of PDMS in an automated manufacturing process. We used this process to create a rolled prototype µAL. Methods: We replaced the motherboard of an Omtech K40 CO2 laser engraver with an Arduino Uno and CNC shield. The laser engraved 60um deep and 180um wide triangular channels in 100 µm thick PDMS. We programmed the laser to engrave alternative layers of orthogonal blood and gas channels. This laser system was synchronized with a roll-to-roll assembly system, plasma-activation system, and vacuum and air-assist system to assemble a cylindrical uAL. Results: A 27-layer cylindrical device was successfully manufactured. It consisted of an 8-layer base, 11-layer portion with alternating microstructure patterns, and 8-layer protective cover. If unrolled, the microstructure section would stretch 1.1 m, and the total device would stretch 2.7 m. Conclusion: This manufacturing system can be used to manufacture high-surface area cylindrical silicone devices with microstructures, that would be impractical to manufacture by conventional means. This can be employed for large-scale membrane gas exchanges such as human-scale µALs.
