Innovative liquid-based ECMO system for hospital extracorporeal oxygenation
29.12.2025
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Thomas Hermans. Photo credit: IMDEA Nanociencia. |
- Thomas Hermans' project, funded by the “la Caixa” Foundation, will develop innovative ECMO technology.
- The project will be carried out in collaboration with Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid.
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Madrid, 29th December, 2025. Thomas Hermans, leader of the ‘Systems Chemistry’ group at IMDEA Nanociencia, receives a Caixa Health grant to develop a novel ECMO system capable of transporting blood without damaging it. In collaboration with Dr. María José Santiago, a physician and researcher at Gregorio Marañón Hospital and adjunct professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, the team will design and test the new liquid-walled ECMO system.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a technique that takes over the function of the heart and lungs, but it carries significant risks, such as bleeding and blood clots. These complications are caused by the machine forcing blood through pumps and small tubes, which can damage blood cells. To solve this problem, researchers are developing a new “liquid wall” ECMO system in which solid parts are replaced by a soft magnetic fluid that gently supports and transports the blood without damaging it.
In its current state, ECMO technology suffers from several limitations, such as intense mechanical forces exerted on blood components, the presence of foreign solid surfaces, and the use of continuous flow pumps. These limiting factors require the use of anticoagulants, which can lead to bleeding and other complications. This new system would solve these problems and create a gentle, non-damaging environment for blood flow.
This innovative strategy must first be tested on piglets to ensure that its future use in humans is safe. By closely monitoring blood behaviour in this liquid environment, the aim is to create a safer ECMO system that will increase survival rates.
Preliminary data obtained with a prototype have shown that damage to blood cells is minimal and that the magnetic fluid remains stable at high shear rates, implying that the project has the potential to significantly improve ECMO technology, making it safer and more effective for patients. By reducing complications and improving outcomes, this innovative strategy could save many lives and transform the field of intensive care.
On the 20th of November 2025, Prof. Thomas Hermans attended the Health Research ceremony, organised by the “la Caixa” Foundation, at which the winners and projects funded by the CaixaResearch Health 2025 call for proposals were announced.
More information
https://caixaresearch.org/es/convocatoria-caixaresearch-investigacion-salud-2025-proyecto-ecmo-base-liquida
Contact:
Prof. Thomas Hermans
Systems Chemistry Laboratory
https://www.imdeananociencia.org/systems-chemistry-laboratory/homeThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.Bluesky: @hermanslab.bsky.social
Oficina de Divulgación y Comunicación de IMDEA Nanociencia
divulgacion.nanociencia [at]imdea.org
Source: IMDEA Nanociencia
IMDEA Nanociencia Institute is a young interdisciplinary research Centre in Madrid (Spain) dedicated to the exploration of nanoscience and the development of applications of nanotechnology in connection with innovative industries.