Biomedical membrane devices are used in technologies that sustain human life directly and continuously. In artificial organ support, for example, a patient's entire blood volume is pumped across a membrane module for several hours at a time, repeatedly, over years. This makes blood purification one of the most demanding separation challenges in process engineering. The feed is an untreated, highly complex biological fluid that cannot be adjusted to suit the process, and within these constraints the membrane must be selective enough to remove metabolic waste, yet retentive enough to keep essential proteins in circulation.

A major focus of our work lies in hollow fiber membranes for extracorporeal blood treatment. The limitation of these devices is often not surface area, but the separation mechanism itself. Many of the most relevant compounds in blood are not removed by conventional membrane therapies, because they circulate bound to plasma proteins and are therefore invisible to a size-based separation. Extending membranes toward adsorptive and multifunctional behaviour is one of the directions we pursue.

What sets this field apart from water treatment or energy applications is not only that the feed cannot be adjusted, but that it responds to the material it encounters. Blood is not a process stream, it is a living tissue that responds to the material it touches. A membrane's performance therefore means nothing without biocompatibility. Surface chemistry, protein adsorption, and the blood's response dictate whether a material only works in a lab beaker or can actually save a patient's life.

The scope of projects can be adapted for a Bachelor's or Master's thesis, or a research internship. The start date is flexible.

Tasks:

• Preparation and formulation of polymer solutions and functional additives
• Fabrication of flat-sheet and/or hollow fiber membranes
• Optimization of fabrication parameters
• Membrane characterization (e.g. permeability, selectivity, morphology, mechanical stability)
• Assessment of blood compatibility (e.g. protein adsorption, haemolysis)
• Adsorption and transport experiments in physiologically relevant media
• Data analysis, interpretation and modelling

Your Profile:

• Enrolled in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, Process Engineering, Water Science, Medical Biology, Biomedical Engineering or related fields
• Interest in membrane technology, polymer materials, or biomedical applications
• Motivation for experimental lab work or computer modelling
• Basic laboratory experience is helpful, but not required

What we offer:

• An interdisciplinary topic at the interface of materials science and medicine
• Close supervision and a supportive working environment
• High degree of independence and room for your own ideas
• Flexible start date and adaptable project scope

Supervisor(s):

• Kai Blechmann, M.Sc.

Curious about how a polymer can be engineered to work inside a medical device? Then feel free to contact me via e-mail (kai.blechmann[at]uni-due.de) or stop by for a chat. I'm happy to talk about possible projects.