ENDOXY – First ISO compliant test of an endothelialized oxygenator model

Introduction: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can replace the lungs9 gas exchange capacity in terminal lung failure. Its limited mid- to long-term usability have constrained the development of an implantable lung assist device. In a Tissue Engineering approach, lining the blood contact surfaces of the ECMO device with endothelial cells might overcome these limitations. In this study, we report for the first time the analysis of gas transfer in an endothelialized oxygenator model in a full oxygenator test setup according to ISO 7199. Methods: In our ENDOXY flat membrane oxygenator model, Lumox TM (Sarstedt, Numbrecht; Germany) membranes were endothelialized with HUVECs. Cell coated membranes were shear stress conditioned and gas transfer was measured in a standard oxygenator test procedure according to ISO 7199. Results: Cells seeded on gas permeable membranes grew to confluence, showed characteristic endothelial morphology and aligned with shear stress without observable cell detachment. Oxygen transfer through the endothelialized oxygenator model achieved its maximum of 8.46 × 10 -5 ± 1.62 x 10 -5 ml / (sec x cm²) at a flow rate of 2 ml. Conclusion: For the first time, this study reports the analysis of gas transfer of an endothelialized oxygenator model in a standard test configuration. Its performance curve with respect to flow is comparable in shape with commercial oxygenators but oxygen transfer is lower by a factor of 10.