SMEA — Smart Membranes Engineering and Applications Research Group
Welcome to SMEA - Smart Membranes Engineering and Applications Research Group.
Our Mission
At Smart Membranes Engineering and Applications (SMEA), we embark on a journey of innovation, driven by a singular mission: to advance the frontiers of Membrane Science and Engineering. Our dedication is focused on the development of cutting-edge technologies with a profound impact on medical, biological, and environmental applications.
Interdisciplinary Innovation
Envisioning Tomorrow through Collaboration
Membrane science is inherently interdisciplinary, merging fields like chemical engineering, material science, chemistry, and biology. At SMEA, we celebrate this diversity, weaving together theoretical and experimental concepts from various disciplines. Our research endeavors thrive on collaboration, where the fusion of ideas and methodologies leads to groundbreaking solutions.
Our Work
Engineering the Future, One Membrane at a Time
Our research activities are as diverse as the applications we serve. We're passionate about:
— Crafting polymer, hybrid, and composite membranes using cutting-edge nanostructured functional materials.
— Pioneering the design of membrane devices and modules, employing state-of-the-art 3D printing technology.
— Unraveling the mysteries of fluid flow and mass transfer in flat sheet membrane systems.
Meet Our Team
The Architects of Innovation
Within the SMEA research group, you'll find a dynamic and diverse ensemble of individuals. Our team comprises permanent researchers, research fellows, PhD candidates, MSc students, and undergraduate students, all united by a shared passion for pioneering interdisciplinary research.
SMEA – Smart Membranes Engineering and Applications Research Group
Current Projects
Forging the Path to Tomorrow's Solutions
Our current research projects embody our commitment to impactful innovation. Explore our endeavors, including:
— Nanostructured membranes for prolonged extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
— Competitive binding membranes for artificial kidneys.
— Investigating blood flow behavior in microchannels with permeable walls.
Collaborations
Guided by Excellence
Our journey towards innovation is complemented by invaluable collaborations. Esteemed physicians and clinical experts actively contribute to optimizing and validating our novel membrane modules for medical applications. Beyond the medical field, our passion for innovation extends to diverse partnerships with institutions, research laboratories and companies or industries reflecting our commitment to pushing the boundaries of membrane science.
Creating Innovative Solutions Across Fields
At SMEA, our vision is to create transformative solutions that address an array of challenges across various fields. Join us on this journey of discovery and innovation.
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Our projects at SMEA span a fascinating spectrum, from pioneering artificial organs that could transform healthcare to cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing water treatment and energy generation. Dive into our research endeavors below and explore the frontiers of science and engineering.
1. Artificial Organs
In the realm of artificial organs, membranes and membrane processes are pivotal in replacement therapy for acute and chronic organ failure. Our research group focuses on two significant projects:
— Artificial Kidney
Chronic kidney disease patients often undergo hemodialysis to remove uremic toxins and excess water. However, current methods struggle with removing protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs) that accumulate in patients with renal dysfunction and have toxic effects on various vital organs. Our goals for the SMAK Project are:
— Development of Competitive Binding Membranes that target PBUTs through solute-protein displacement mechanisms. These monophasic hybrid membranes are prepared using a novel method that combines sol-gel and phase inversion techniques.
— Synthesis of Novel Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) by incorporation of biomimetic Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with an affinity for PBUTs into modified cellulose-based casting solutions.
— Integration of a Nano-Drug Delivery System into membrane technology to enhance PBUT removal via competitive binding.
— Artificial Lung
Efficient blood oxygenators for prolonged Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) are urgently needed to reduce morbidity and mortality. This project aims to optimize blood oxygenator performance and hemocompatibility using novel polyurethane-based nanostructured mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). This innovative approach enhances gas permeation and offers efficient and prolonged blood oxygenation, especially crucial in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and future respiratory challenges.
2. Portable Blood Processing Device for the removal of water
The project addresses the need for a compact, safe, and continuous blood water removal system, an ideal solution that's been challenging due to size and patient discomfort. We envision a small-scale, efficient system with a critical component: a low-surface-area ultrafiltration membrane (≤ 10cm²) to extract water while safeguarding vital blood components. This equates to removing 1 mL/min, or 10 kg per week when used continuously. Utilizing advanced 3D printing technology, we aim to create a microfluidic membrane device (MFMD) for continuous blood water removal. The MFMD targets 1 mL/min water removal at low blood flow rates, with minimal extracorporeal blood volume.
3. Antifouling and Antibacterial Ultrafiltration Membranes for Water Treatment
Addressing water contamination by bacteria, we seek to develop advanced ultrafiltration membranes for efficient water treatment. These membranes will combat waterborne diseases and provide a sustainable solution with low energy and chemical consumption.
4. Bipolar Membranes for Direct Liquid Fuel Cells
This project focuses on developing bipolar membranes for low-temperature liquid fuel cells, such as the direct borohydride fuel cell (DBFC). We aim to create pH-gradient-enabled microscale bipolar interfaces to enable sharp pH differences between the anode and cathode compartments, enhancing the performance of DBFCs.
5. Construction Coatings and Waterproofing Membranes
Our project focuses on improving liquid acrylic-based membranes, commonly used in construction waterproofing. These membranes seal small cracks in cement and masonry while providing impermeability to liquids, water vapor, and resilience against CO2 and UV exposure. We evaluate and enhance aqueous acrylic resin-based membranes produced by COLALIZ, Lda, a leading company with over 40 years of experience in construction materials. Our assessments follow European Standards, covering water and water vapor permeability, CO2 permeability, hydrophobicity, and resistance to acidic/alkaline solutions simulating environmental exposure.
MSc Students
— Beatriz Nunes, Thesis: Novel composite membranes for blood filtration: removal of protein-bound toxins in hemodialysis. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Anirban Karmakar, CQE
— Pedro Almeida, Thesis: Development of a new integrated system for the treatment of chronic kidney disease: Synergetic combination of a nano-drug delivery system and membrane technology. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Vasco DB Bonifácio, iBB
— Imran Juthá, Thesis: Design and characterization of a lab-scale hemodialysis membrane device targeting the removal of protein-bound uremic toxins from human plasma. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Rita F. Pires, SMEA
— Juceline Camará, Thesis: Design and characterization of a lab-scale hemodialysis membrane device targeting the removal of uremic toxins from blood. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Rita F. Pires, SMEA
— Francisca Massano de Albuquerque, Thesis: Synthesis of bipolar membranes for application in direct liquid fuel cells. Supervisores: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Diogo Santos, GUEECS
— Joana Ribeiro, Thesis: Membranes for haemodialysis and blood purification devices. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Maria Clara Gonçalves, CQE
Other Researchers: Alumni
— Andrei Cioineag, Erasmus project: Design and optimization of polyurethane-based membranes for blood oxygenators. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA
— Maria-Clara Bjelkanov, Erasmus project: Design and 3D printing of a lab-scale blood oxygenation module. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA
— Thibaud Chassignole, Erasmus project: Design and printing of electronic circuits for blood flow probes and pressure transducers. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA
— Margarida Correia, Master’s thesis: Novel Mixed-Matrix Membranes for the Artificial Lung: Towards Long Term Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Anirban Karmakar, CQE
— Maria Inês Santos, Master’s thesis: Development of novel membranes with Competitive binding properties for the artificial kidney. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA/ Maria Clara Gonçalves, CQE
— Mihaela Bergman, Erasmus project: Optimization of blood circulation circuit for evaluation hemodialysis membranes. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA
— Gabriel Mol, Erasmus project: Fabrication and characterization of polyurethane blend membranes for blood oxygenators. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA
— Inês Coelho, Master’s thesis: Design and synthesis of gas permeation membranes for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Vasco DB Bonifácio, iBB
— Adriana Janeca, Master’s thesis: Characterization of a cellulose acetate-based monophasic hybrid membrane in a single hemodialysis membrane module for blood purification. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Maria Clara Gonçalves, CQE
— Madalena Lopes, Master’s thesis: Towards nanostructured membranes for the artificial kidney. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Vasco DB Bonifácio, iBB
— Catarina Vieira, Master’s thesis: Estudo de revestimentos aquosos para impermeabilização e proteção de coberturas utilizados na construção civil. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Cátia Aldeia, Cololiz
— Sara Lança, Master thesis: Anti-fouling high flux ultrafiltration monophasic hybrid membranes for water treatment. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Maria Clara Gonçalves, CQE
— Miguel Lopes, Master thesis: Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Monophasic Hybrid Membranes of Cellulose Acetate by Co-polymerization with Tetraethly Orthosilicate and 3-(Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane. Supervisors: Mónica Faria, SMEA / Maria Clara Gonçalves, CQE
Other Researchers: Summer School Internship
— Maria Vicente, Project: Hemocompatible membranes for blood purification
— Martim da Costa, Project: Hemocompatible membranes for blood purification
— Eduardo Camilo, Project: Design and characterization of a lab-scale hemodialysis membrane module targeting the removal of protein-bound uremic toxins from human plasma
— Madalena Duarte, Project: Mixed matrix membranes for blood oxygenation
— Beatriz Simões, Project: Mixed matrix membranes for blood oxygenation
— Teresa Pires, Project: Characterization of monophasic hybrid membranes for blood purification
Books and Book Chapters
Mónica Faria, Pedro Brogueira, Maria Norberta De Pinho, Hybrid Integral Asymmetric Cellulose Acetate/Silicon Dioxide Ultrafiltration Membranes for Uremic Blood Purification, chapter in, XV Mediterranean Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing – MEDICON 2019, 1469-1473. Springer International Publishing, 2019 https://www.springerprofessional.de/en/hybrid-integral-asymmetric-cellulose-acetate-silicon-dioxide-ult/17203684
Tiago Eusébio, Mónica Faria, Viriato Semião and Maria Norberta de Pinho, Synthesis of Composites of Polyurethane Membranes/Polycaprolactone Fibers for Membrane Blood Oxygenators, chapter in, XV Mediterranean Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing – MEDICON 2019, 1465-1468. Springer International Publishing, 2019 https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-31635-8_181
Mónica Faria and Maria Norberta de Pinho, Membranes for Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation Devices, chapter in, The Encyclopedia of Membranes, pp 1-19, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2015 https://link.springer.com/referencework/10.1007/978-3-662-44324-8
Journal Papers
Rodrigues, F. S. C., Brilhante, D., Macêdo, A., Pires, R. F., Faria, M. (2024) Ibuprofen-Immobilized Thin Films: A Novel Approach to Improve the Clearance of Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c15291
Belhaj, I., Faria, M, Šljukić, B., Geraldes, V., & Santos, DMF., “Bipolar Membranes for Direct Borohydride Fuel Cells—A Review”, Membranes, 13 (8), 730 (2023) https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes13080730
Zare, F., Gonçalves, SB., Faria, M., & Gonçalves, MC., “Improving Structural Homogeneity, Hydraulic Permeability, and Mechanical Performance of Asymmetric Monophasic Cellulose Acetate/Silica Membranes: Spinodal Decomposition Mix”, Membranes, 13 (3), 346 (2023) https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes13030346
Lopes, M., Pires, RF., Faria, M., & Bonifácio, VDB., “A Novel Strategy for Enhanced Sequestration of Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins Using Smart Hybrid Membranes”, Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 14 (3), 138 (2023) https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14030138
Rodrigues, FSC., & Faria, M.,“Adsorption-and displacement-based approaches for the removal of protein-bound uremic toxins”, Toxins, 15 (2), 110 (2023) https://doi.org/10.3390/toxins15020110
Coelho. I., Pires, RF., Gonçalves, SB., Bonifácio, VDB., & Faria, M.,“Gas Permeability and Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane-Based Membranes for Blood Oxygenators”, Membranes, 12 (9), 826 (2022) https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12090826
Zare F., Janeca, A., Jokar, SM., Faria, M., & Gonçalves, MC., “Interaction of Human Serum Albumin with Uremic Toxins: The Need of New Strategies Aiming at Uremic Toxins Removal”, Membranes, 12 (3), 261 (2022) https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12030261
Janeca, A., Rodrigues, FSC., Gonçalves, MC., & Faria, M. “Novel Cellulose Acetate-Based Monophasic Hybrid Membranes for Improved Blood Purification Devices: Characterization under Dynamic Conditions”, Membranes, 11 (11), 825 (2021) https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes11110825
Andrade, MC., Pereira, JC., de Almeida, N., Marques, P., Faria, M., & Gonçalves, MC. “Improving hydraulic permeability, mechanical properties, and chemical functionality of cellulose acetate-based membranes by co-polymerization with tetraethyl orthosilicate and 3-(aminopropyl) triethoxysilane”, Carbohydrate Polymers, 261, 117813 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.117813
Faria, M. & De Pinho, MN., “Challenges of reducing protein-bound uremic toxin levels in chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease”, Translational Research, 229, 115-134 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trsl.2020.09.001
De Pascale, M, Faria, M., Boi, C., Semião, V., & De Pinho, MN., “The effect of ultrafiltration transmembrane permeation on the flow field in a surrogate system of an artificial kidney”, Experimental Results, 2 (e16), 1-9 (2021) https://doi.org/10.1017/exp.2021.5
Peixoto, I., Faria, M., & Gonçalves, MC., “Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Integral Asymmetric Monophasic Cellulose–Acetate/Silica/Titania and Cellulose–Acetate/Titania Membranes”, Membranes, 10 (9), 195 (2020) https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes10090195
Faria, M., Moreira, C., Eusébio, T., Brogueira, P., & De Pinho, MN., “Hybrid flat sheet cellulose acetate/silicon dioxide ultrafiltration membranes for uremic blood purification”, Cellulose, 27, 3847-3869 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1007/s1057
Molina, A., Faria, M., Delgado, GJL., De Pinho, MN., & Loredo, MGS., “Synthesis of Calcium Fluoride Ultrafine Particles for the Preparation of Integral Asymmetric Cellulose Acetate/Calcium Fluoride Membranes”, Journal of Membrane Science and Research, 6 (2), 147-157 (2020) https://doi.org/10.22079/JMSR.2020.118838.1314
Eusébio, TM., Martins, AR., Pon, G., Faria, M., Morgado, P., Pinto, ML., Filipe, EJM., & De Pinho, MN., “Sorption/Diffusion contributions to the gas permeation properties of bi-soft segment polyurethane/polycaprolactone membranes for membrane blood oxygenators”, Membranes, 10 (1), 8 (2020) https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes10010008
Faria, M., Eusébio, TM., & De Pinho, MN., “Bi-soft segment polyurethane membranes for Membrane Blood Oxygenators”, EasyChair (2019) https://easychair.org/publications/preprint/bpls
Faria, M., Moreira, C., Eusébio, TM., De Pinho, MN., Brogueira, P., & Semião, V., “Oxygen mass transfer in a gas/membrane/liquid system surrogate of membrane blood oxygenators”, AIChE Journal, 64 (10), 3756-3763 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.16328
Mendes, G., Faria, M., Carvalho, A., Gonçalves, MC., & De Pinho, MN., “Structure of water in hybrid cellulose acetate-silica ultrafiltration membranes and permeation properties”, Carbohydrate polymers, 189, 342-351 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.02.030
Faria, M., & De Pinho MN, “Phase segregation and gas permeation properties of poly (urethane urea) bi-soft segment membranes”, European Polymer Journal, 82, 260-276 (2016) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2016.07.012
Faria, M., Rajagopalan, M., & De Pinho, MN., “Tailoring bi-soft segment poly (ester urethane urea) integral asymmetric membranes for CO2 and O2 permeation”, Journal of membrane science, 387, 66-75 (2012) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2011.10.010
Faria, M., Geraldes, V., & De Pinho, MN., “Surface characterization of asymmetric Bi-soft segment poly (ester urethane urea) membranes for blood-oxygenation medical devices”, International Journal of Biomaterials (2012) https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/376321
Faria, M., Brogueira, P., & De Pinho, MN., “Sub-micron tailoring of bi-soft segment asymmetric polyurethane membrane surfaces with enhanced hemocompatibility properties”, Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 86 (1), 21-27 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2011.03.021
Proceedings
Fahimeh Zare, Mónica Faria and Maria Clara Gonçalves, Interactions of Human Serum Albumin with Uremic Toxins: The need of new strategies aiming at uremic toxins removal, 6th World Chemistry Conference and Exhibition (WCCE), 2023
Flávia SC Rodrigues, Rita F Pires and Mónica Faria, Thin films with competitive binding surfaces for enhanced removal of Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins, ESAO-IFAO congress 2023, 2023
Rita F Pires, Inês Coelho, Sérgio B Gonçalves, Vasco DB Bonifácio and Mónica Faria, Polyurethane blend membranes for blood oxygenation, ESAO-IFAO congress 2023, Bergamo, 2023
Rita F Pires, Inês Coelho, Sérgio B Gonçalves, Vasco DB Bonifácio and Mónica Faria, Polyurethane blend membranes for blood oxygenation, ESAO-IFAO congress 2023, Bergamo, 2023
Flávia SC Rodrigues, Adriana Janeca and Mónica Faria, Characterization under dynamic conditions of a cellulose acetate-based monophasic hybrid membrane for improved blood purification devices, Euromembrane2022, 2022
Fahimeh Zare, Mónica Faria and Maria Clara Gonçalves, Improving structural homogeneity, hydraulic permeability, and mechanical performance of sustainable skinned asymmetric monophasic cellulose acetate/silica membranes: spinodal decompositions mix challenge, Euromembrane2022, 2022
Flávia SC Rodrigues, Adriana Janeca and Mónica Faria, Synthesis and characterization of an amine-functionalized cellulose acetate-based monophasic hybrid membrane for blood purification, 37th EMS Summer School, 2022
Rita F Pires, Inês Coelho, Vasco DB Bonifácio and Mónica Faria, Improved gas transport of polyurethane-based membranes for blood oxygenation, Euromembrane2022, 2022
Madalena Lopes, Flávia SC Rodrigues, Rita F Pires, Vasco DB Bonifácio and Mónica Faria, Synthesis of silica derivatives and their incorporation in cellulose acetate-based membranes for blood purification, Euromembrane2022, 2022
Flávia SC Rodrigues, Design of new membrane housing for a Portable Artificial Kidney, PhD Open Days 2021, 2021
Catarina Vieira and Mónica Faria, Study of waterproofing membranes used in civil construction to prevent corrosion induced by carbonation, LaPMET, 2021
Sara Lança and Mónica Faria, Anti-fouling high flux ultrafiltration monophasic hybrid membranes for water treatment, LaPMET, 2021
Madalena Lopes, Mónica Faria and Vasco DB Bonifácio, Novel competitive binding membranes for the artificial kidney: Towards enhanced removal of PBUTs, LaPMET, Lisbon, 2021
Adriana Janeca, Characterization of a cellulose acetate based monophasic hybrid membrane under dynamic conditions: towards improved blood purification devices, LaPMET, 2021
Flávia SC Rodrigues and Mónica Faria, Design and characterization of new membrane housings for Portable Hemodialysis Devices, LaPMET, 2021
Flávia SC Rodrigues and Mónica Faria, Development of novel monophasic hybrid membranes for improved artificial kidney devices, LaPMET, 2021
Mónica Faria, Advanced Materials and Technologies for Health and Environment: research studies and collaborations carried out at the Center of Physics and Engineering of Advanced Materials (CeFEMA), LaPMET, 2021
Mónica Faria, Hybrid flat sheet cellulose acetate/silicon dioxide ultrafiltration membranes for uremic blood purification, International Congress on Membranes & Membrane Processes 2020 (ICOM 2020), 2020
Mónica Faria, High flux hybrid cellulose acetate/silica membranes for hemodialysis, 6th IEEE Portuguese Meeting on Bioengineering (ENBENG), 2019
Mónica Faria, Bi-soft segment polyurethane membranes for Membrane Blood Oxygenators, 6th IEEE Portuguese Meeting on Bioengineering (ENBENG), 2019
Mónica Faria, Hybrid integral asymmetric cellulose acetate/silicon dioxide ultrafiltration membranes for uremic blood purification, Mediterranean Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing 2019 (MEDICON), 2019
Mónica Faria, Mixed matrix membranes adsorbers (MMMAs) for water contaminant removal in hemodialysis, Engineering With Membranes 2019 (EWM), 2019
Mónica Faria, Synthesis of composites of polyurethane membranes/polycaprolactone fibers for membrane blood oxygenators", Engineering With Membranes 2019 (EWM), 2019
Mónica Faria, Preparation, structural characterization, and permeation properties of PVP-modified CaF2 /cellulose acetate asymmetric membranes, 6th International Conference on Multifunctional, Hybrid and Nanomaterials, 2019
Mónica Faria, O2 and CO2 Mass Transfer in Blood Oxygenators and Artificial Lung Devices. ESAO-IFAO-Congress 2018, 2018
Mónica Faria, Polyurethane based integral asymmetric membranes for Membrane Blood Oxygenators, European Symposium on Biochemical Engineering Sciences 2018 (ESBES), 2018
Mónica Faria, CO2 and O2 permeation of polyurethane/polycaprolactone integral asymmetric and nonporous symmetric membranes, Euromembrane2018, 2018
Mónica Faria, Oxygen Mass Transfer in Oxygen/Membrane/Water Flow Systems, Euromembrane2018, 2018
Mónica Faria, Structure of water in hybrid cellulose acetate-silica ultrafiltration membranes and permeation properties, Euromembrane2018, 2018
Mónica Faria, Integrally Skinned Cellulose Acetate-Silica membranes for extracorporeal blood filtration. Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering 2018 (CMBBE), 2018
Mónica Faria, Oxygen Mass Transfer in a Surrogate System of Membrane Blood Oxygenators, European Society of Artificial Organs 2017 (ESAO), 2017
Mónica Faria, Integrally skinned asymmetric cellulose acetate-silica membranes for Extracorporeal Blood Ultrafiltration, International Congress on Membranes and Membrane Processes 2017 (ICOM), (2017).
Mónica Faria, Asymmetric membranes for Blood Oxygenators: Hemocompatibility and Gas Permeation, International Congress on Membranes and Membrane Processes 2017 (ICOM), 2017
Mónica Faria, Asymmetric Membranes for Extracorporeal Blood Circulation Devices, ASAIO 63rd annual conference, 2017
Mónica Faria, Asymmetric membranes for extracorporeal blood circulation devices, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology International conference (NanoPT 2017), 2017
Mónica Faria, Phase segregation and gas permeation properties of bi-soft segment poly(urethane urea) membranes for extracorporeal blood oxygenation devices, 10th World Congress of Chemical Engineering (WCCE10), 2017
Mónica Faria, Oxygen Mass Transfer in Oxygen/Membrane/Water Flow Systems, 10th World Congress of Chemical Engineering (WCCE10), 2017
Mónica Faria, Integrally skinned asymmetric cellulose acetate-silica membranes for extracorporeal blood ultrafiltration, ESAO-IFAO-Congress 2017, 2017
Mónica Faria, Hemocompatible Membranes for Blood Oxygenators, Nanoscience and Nanotechnology International conference (NanoPT 2017), 2017
Thesis
Juceline Isabel Pereira Camará, Design and characterization of a lab-scale hemodialysis membrane device targeting the removal of uremic toxins from blood, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisors: Mónica Faria / Rita Pires
Imran Juthá, Design and characterization of a lab-scale hemodialysis membrane module targeting the removal of protein-bound uremic toxins from human plasma, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisors: Mónica faria / Rita Pires
Margarida Pereira Valente, Evaluation of a Centrifugal Ultrafiltration System for the Concentration of Viruses from Small-volume wastewater Samples, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisors: Mónica Faria / Rita Pires
Beatriz Sanches Nunes, Novel composite membranes for blood filtration: removal of protein-bound toxins in hemodialysis, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisors: Mónica Faria / Anirban Karmakar, 2023 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/mefarm/dissertacao/1972678479055723
Pedro Rodrigues Nunes Paulo de Almeida, Development of a new integrated system for the treatment of chronic kidney disease: Synergetic combination of a nano-drug delivery system and membrane technology, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa, Supervisors: Mónica Faria / Vasco Bonifácio https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/mefarm/dissertacao/1128253548923338
Margarida Ribeiro Correia, Novel Mixed-Matrix Membranes for the Artificial Lung: Towards Long Term Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Anirban Karmakar, 2022 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/meq21/dissertacao/565303595502975
Maria Inês Santos, Development of novel membranes with Competitive binding properties for the artificial kidney, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Maria Clara Gonçalves, 2022 https://scholar.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/records/szomZbkB8fTd9odLQCQzINMg1XiQ9NbqzPEH
Maria Inês Barros Teixeira Coelho: Design and synthesis of gas permeation membranes for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Vasco DB Bonifácio, 2022 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/memat/dissertacao/565303595503599
Adriana Gonçalves Janeca, Characterization of a cellulose acetate-based monophasic hybrid membrane in a single hemodialysis membrane module for blood purification, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Maria Clara Gonçalves, 2021 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/mebiol/dissertacao/1972678479055015
Madalena Pereira Bonifácio Lopes, Towards nanostructured membranes for the artificial kidney, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Vasco DB Bonifácio, 2021 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/meq/dissertacao/1691203502344730
Catarina Alexandra Santos Vieira, Estudo de revestimentos aquosos para impermeabilização e proteção de coberturas utilizados na construção civil, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Cátia Aldeia, 2021 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/meq/dissertacao/1691203502344676
Sara Cristina Martins Lança, Anti-fouling high flux ultrafiltration monophasic hybrid membranes for water treatment, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Maria Clara Gonçalves, 2021 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/mefarm/dissertacao/1128253548922836
Miguel Alexandre Nobre Figueiredo Lopes, Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Monophasic Hybrid Membranes of Cellulose Acetate by Co-polymerization with Tetraethly Orthosilicate and 3-(Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Maria Clara Gonçalves, 2021 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/meq/dissertacao/283828618790571
Inês Parrinha Peixoto, Properties and anti-biofouling activity of novel hybrid monophasic Cellulose Acetate/Silica/Titania membranes, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Maria Clara Gonçalves, 2019 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/mbiotec/dissertacao/1691203502343684
Ana Rita Gonçalves Varandas Martins, Characterization and Gas Permeation Properties of Blood Compatible Membranes for Blood Oxygenators, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Pedro Morgado, 2019 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/meq/dissertacao/1128253548921684
Mafalda Silva dos Santos, Mass transfer studies associated to the metabolic clearance of uremic toxins in a surrogate system of the artificial kidney, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Maria Norberta de Pinho, 2019
Gabriela Pon, Blood compatible membranes for Membrane Blood Oxygenators, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Maria Norberta de Pinho, 2018 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/meq/dissertacao/1409728525632159
Tiago Mendonça Eusébio, Polyurethane urea membranes for MBOs: synthesis and gas permeation properties, Master Thesis, IST, ULisboa. Supervisores: Mónica Faria/ Eduardo Morila Filipe, 2017 https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/cursos/meq/dissertacao/1972678479053750
Clinical Collaborations
— Dialina Brilhante, hematologist and the director of Immunotherapy at the Portuguese Oncology Institute of Lisbon
— Francisco Ferrer, nephrologist and the director of the DaVita Center of Nephrology and Dialysis of Leiria
— Roberto Roncon Albuquerque, critical care MD at Hospital de São João, director of the ECMO reference center in Portugal and an Associate Professor at the University of Porto
— Pedro Franco, Coordinator of Cardiopulmonary Care at Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central, EPE
— Pedro Fonseca, certified clinical perfusionist at Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Central, EPE
Academic Partnerships and Collaborations
— Miguel Rodrigues, Assistant Professor, Centro de Química Estrutural, University of Lisbon
— Maria Clara Gonçalves, Assistant Professor, Centro de Química Estrutural, University of Lisbon
— Anirban Karmakar, Assistant Researcher, Centro de Química Estrutural, University of Lisbon
— Vasco Bonifácio, Assistant Professor, Instituto de Bioengenharia e Biociências, University of Lisbon
— Loredana De Bartolo, Research Director, Institute on Membrane Technology (CNR-ITM), University of Calabria, Italy
— Ludovic Dumee, Assistant Professor, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, UAE
— Ricardo Bexiga, Lecturer and researcher, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon
— Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez, Associate Professor, University of Minho
— Carlos Costa, Assistant Researcher, University of Minho
— Sérgio Gonçalves, Laboratory Technician, Institute of Mechanical Engineering, IDMEC, University of Lisbon
— Carlos Fernandes, Full Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon
— Carlos Brito, Telecommunications Technician, Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon
— Elisa Campos, Assistant Researcher, University of Coimbra
— Mara Braga, Assistant Researcher, University of Coimbra
Academic-Industry Collaborations
— COLALIZ, Lda, leading company in construction materials. Lisbon, Portugal
— Laboratório de Análises do IST (LAIST). Lisbon, Portugal
Recent Research Highlights
Ibuprofen-Immobilized Thin Films: A Noval Approach to Improve the Clearance of Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins 
https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.3c15291
Taguspark's 23rd Anniversary Open Day
On the 11th of November 2023, Rita Pires and Flávia Rodrigues participated in the Taguspark's 23rd Anniversary Open Day presenting activities related to development of smart membranes for hemodialysis.
European Night of the researchers held in Champalimaud’s Foundation
On the 29th of September 2023 SMEA group participated in the European Night of the researchers held in Champalimaud’s Foundation with the theme: Separation of macromolecules by ultrafiltration
Smart Hybrid Membranes
Our research involved the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of two silicon-based precursors containing ibuprofen (IBF), a competitive binder for Human Serum Albumin (HSA). These precursors were skillfully integrated into the casting solution to produce cutting-edge monophasic hybrid integral asymmetric cellulose acetate/silica-IBF membranes, utilizing a combination of sol-gel and phase inversion techniques. These innovative smart membranes have the potential to exhibit competitive behavior for HSA, paving the way for the localized removal of PBUTs in future hemodialysis applications.
Lopes, M., Pires, RF., Faria, M., & Bonifácio, VDB., “A Novel Strategy for Enhanced Sequestration of Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins Using Smart Hybrid Membranes”, Journal of Functional Biomaterials, 14 (3), 138 (2023); https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb1403013
Design and 3D Printing of New Membrane Housings
Our research led to the creation of innovative microdevices, specifically designed as Single Hemodialysis Membrane Modules (SHDMM). These modules were conceived as integral components of a pioneering blood purification device that seamlessly integrates membrane technology within a microfluidic system known as the microfluidic membrane device (MFMD). We employed state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, achieving precision with an impressive accuracy of 0.1 mm in the height (z-axis) and 0.04 mm in both the x and y-axes.
Flávia SC Rodrigues, Design of new membrane housing for a Portable Artificial Kidney, PhD Open Days 2021, 2021; https://phdopendays.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/files/sites/134/poster_v3.pdf
Main Research Highlights
Monophasic Hybrid Membranes
One of the standout achievements at SMEA involves pioneering a cutting-edge class of membranes through an innovative approach that combines the acid-catalyzed sol-gel process with the phase inversion technique.
These remarkable creations, known as Monophasic Hybrid Membranes (MHMs), set a new standard in membrane technology. What sets them apart is the covalent bond formed between the organic component (e.g., cellulose acetate) and the inorganic counterpart (e.g., silica or titania). This differs from traditional organic/inorganic mixed matrix membranes, where the inorganic component is typically incorporated in the form of nanoparticles or nanorods by physical mixing.
The true brilliance of MHMs shines through their vastly improved mass transfer properties compared to conventional composite membranes. But the innovation doesn't stop there. By tailoring the silica precursor, specifically the covalently linked functional groups, we've achieved customized active layer surfaces. This tailoring not only enhances the performance of our membranes but also makes them remarkably hemocompatible, paving the way for exciting advancements in medical applications.
Mendes, G., Faria, M., Carvalho, A., Gonçalves, MC., & De Pinho, MN., “Structure of water in hybrid cellulose acetate-silica ultrafiltration membranes and permeation properties”, Carbohydrate polymers, 189, 342-351 (2018); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.02.030
Polyurethane-Based Blend Membranes for Blood Oxygenators
In our investigation, we meticulously crafted two sets of dense membranes—one composed of pure polyurethane (PU) and the other consisting of PU-based blend membranes—using the solvent evaporation technique. Our primary focus was to enhance the oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of PU-based membranes by incorporating various compatible components, including tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, Congo red, and methyl-β-cyclodextrin. These membranes exhibited remarkable improvements in hemocompatibility and demonstrated exceptional permeability to carbon dioxide. Currently we are working towards increasing the oxygen permeability of the PU-based membranes.
Coelho, I., Pires, RF., Gonçalves, SB., Bonifácio, VDB., & Faria, M., “Gas Permeability and Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane-Based Membranes for Blood Oxygenators”, Membranes, 12 (9), 826 (2022); https://doi.org/10.3390/membranes12090826
Scientific dissemination
Flávia S.C. Rodrigues presented her work entitled “Thin films with competitive binding surfaces for enhanced removal of Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins”, at 49th ESAO and IFAO congress held in Bergamo Italy on 29th August – 1st September 2023. https://www.esao2023.com/
Rita F. Pires presented the work “Polyurethane blend membranes for blood oxygenation”, at 49th ESAO and IFAO congress held in Bergamo Italy on 29th August – 1st September 2023. https://www.esao2023.com/
Fahimeh Zare presented the work “Interactions of Human Serum Albumin with Uremic Toxins: The need of new strategies aiming at uremic toxins removal” at 6th World Chemistry Conference and Exhibition (WCCE) held in Barcelona, Spain on Sept 11-12, 2023. https://worldchemistry.org/