Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 30, 2025

Surgical Techniques for Catheter Placement and 5/6 Nephrectomy in Murine Models of Peritoneal Dialysis
Published on: July 19, 2018
Urea removal strategies for dialysate regeneration in a wearable artificial kidney
Maaike K van Gelder1, Jacobus A W Jong2, Laura Folkertsma3
1Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Abstract:
The availability of a wearable artificial kidney (WAK) that provides dialysis outside the hospital would be an important advancement for dialysis patients. The concept of a WAK is based on regeneration of a small volume of dialysate in a closed-loop. Removal of urea, the primary waste product of nitrogen metabolism, is the major challenge for the realization of a WAK since it is a molecule with low reactivity that is difficult to adsorb while it is the waste solute with the highest daily molar production. Currently, no efficient urea removal technology is available that allows for miniaturization of the WAK to a size and weight that is acceptable for patients to carry. Several urea removal strategies have been explored, including enzymatic hydrolysis by urease, electro-oxidation and sorbent systems. However, thus far, these methods have toxic side effects, limited removal capacity or slow removal kinetics. This review discusses different urea removal strategies for application in a wearable dialysis device, from both a chemical and a medical perspective.
Related Concept Videos
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis
Dialysis
Dialysis
Acute kidney injury develops suddenly and can be caused by pre-renal causes (e.g., hypovolemia, shock), intrinsic renal causes (e.g., acute tubular necrosis), or post-renal causes (e.g., urinary obstruction). In contrast, chronic renal failure progresses gradually over time and is often...
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Hemoperfusion and Hemofiltration

