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Microdissection of Primary Renal Tissue Segments and Incorporation with Novel Scaffold-free Construct Technology
Published on: March 27, 2018
Implanted renal replacement for end-stage renal disease
1Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. fisselw@ccf.org
Panminerva Medica
|July 22, 2011
Summary
An implantable artificial kidney could improve survival for dialysis patients. Advances in biomimetic membranes, blood-material interactions, and cell function are key to developing this life-saving technology.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Patients on dialysis face high mortality rates from cardiovascular and infectious causes.
- Current home dialysis is limited by patient concerns regarding skill and safety.
- An implantable artificial kidney offers intensive therapy benefits while addressing patient fears.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the technological advancements required for an implantable artificial kidney.
- To identify key areas of development for creating a functional artificial kidney device.
- To assess the feasibility of using biomimetic membranes and engineered cells for kidney replacement therapy.
Main Methods:
- Reviewing progress in hollow fiber polymer membranes and dialytic waste removal.
- Investigating biomimetic membranes and living cells for replicating native kidney function.
- Examining advancements in ultrafiltration membranes, blood-material interactions (thrombosis, fouling), and stable cell function.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in proof-of-concept experiments for key technologies.
- Hollow fiber membranes, while effective, present challenges for implantable applications.
- Biomimetic approaches using cells show promise for replicating kidney waste removal strategies.
Conclusions:
- Developing an implantable artificial kidney requires breakthroughs in ultrafiltration, blood compatibility, and engineered cell function.
- Proof-of-concept studies indicate feasibility for these critical technological areas.
- An artificial kidney holds potential to significantly improve outcomes for patients requiring dialysis.
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