Funding Agency: Health Institutes of Türkiye (TUSEB) – 2025-B-01

Project Coordinator: Prof. Dr. İsmail Koyuncu (Istanbul Technical University, Civil Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department)Investigators:
Prof. Dr. Vahid Vatanpour Sarghein (Istanbul Technical University İstanbul Teknik Üniversitesi, Civil Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department)
Prof. Dr. Bihter Zeytuncu Gökoğlu (Istanbul Technical University, Chemical Metallurgical Faculty, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department)
Asst. Prof. Mehmet Emin Paşaoğlu (Istanbul Technical University, Civil Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department)
Lecturer Dr. Ayşegül Derya Altınay (Istanbul Technical University, Civil Engineering Faculty, Environmental Engineering Department)

Project Topic:This project aims to develop sustainable, biodegradable, and hemocompatible hemodialysis modules in response to the increasing global demand driven by the rising prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and end-stage kidney disease. Although Türkiye is among the leading countries in scientific publications on hemodialysis, industrial-scale production of hemodialysis modules is still limited. Current modules rely on non-biodegradable polysulfone membranes, polycarbonate housings, and epoxy adhesives, which generate significant medical waste and may cause long-term biocompatibility issues. To address these challenges, the project will produce biodegradable hollow fiber membranes from biopolymers such as PLA and cellulose acetate, optimize fabrication parameters, perform laboratory-scale dialysis tests, and apply surface modifications to enhance permeability and hemocompatibility. PLA-based module housings will be manufactured using both 3D printing and injection molding, and bio-based adhesives will be used during assembly. The developed modules will be tested under real dialysis conditions, and green solvents will be incorporated into membrane fabrication. Finally, a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will compare the environmental impact, cost, and efficiency of the developed modules with commercial products. All experimental studies will be conducted at the National Research Center on Membrane Technologies (MEM-TEK).