Alumina Surface Property Characterization for iBAKs (implantable Bioartificial Kidneys)

The implantable bioartificial kidney device (iBAK) is a free standing medical device being developed to
replicate all essential kidney functions. Core components of the iBAK include hemofiltration, to which silicon nanopore membranes (SNMs), which provide filtered blood plasma to a bioreactor, are central. Biocompatibility of the SNMs is a critical parameter for iBAK function, and a coating on SNMs maintains
the hemocompatibility and structural integrity necessary for effective use. Our team is focusing on
using alumina as one such potential coating, and this project is currently characterizing the surface
properties of alumina for biocompatibility. Protein adhesion on alumina-coated, polymer-coated,
thermal oxide coated, and uncoated control group membranes have been analyzed via fluorescence photospectrometry, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and sessile drop contact angle measurements. Findings from this project will join a greater protein adhesion study to ultimately
determine if alumina can serve as a viable and biocompatible coating within the iBAK.