The Animation studio of ICMS, led by dr.ir. Koen Pieterse, has for the last few months been working on the film ‘Towards a living artificial kidney’. As of May the film will be shown continuously in the Holland Pavilion during the World Expo.

Within one minute three-dimensional images will show the state of affairs in this research, as well as what the future may bring. Ir. Sagitta Peters, business manager of ICMS: “We hope that the animation film will give an insight into the technique whereby supramolecular polymers, in which bio-active groups can be anchored, the right cells can be made to grow in the right manner. We hope that it will enable us in the future to obtain a working membrane fulfilling the same function as a kidney, namely purification of blood.” The research into this is led by prof.dr. Bert Meijer and assistant professor dr.ir. Patricia Dankers.

ICMS wants to show the film to a broad public as soon as possible. Dissemination via the Internet is being considered and, parallel to Shanghai, the setup of a screen at TU/e.

Peters is of the opinion that the costs and value of the film ‘cannot immediately be expressed in terms of money’. “This film shows how fascinating science can be. It brings across abstract scientific terms in a very graphic manner. This is good, for it allows scientists to communicate better about complex matters. At the same time it will enable us to bring this research to the notice of a broad public.” (FvO)/.