Cell-inspired selective potassium removal towards hyperkalemia therapy by microphase-isolated core-shell microspheres

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Hyperkalemia is a frequent complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
• Current treatments like oral medications and hemodialysis have limitations.
• There is a need for advanced adsorbent-based miniaturized blood purification devices for hyperkalemia management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel microspheres inspired by cellular mechanisms for efficient potassium (K+) removal.
• To create a core-shell structured adsorbent with cation-affinitive groups for selective K+ enrichment.
• To evaluate the efficacy and biocompatibility of these microspheres for treating hyperkalemia.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of core-shell microspheres with phase-separated cation-affinitive groups (crown ethers and sulfonic acid groups).
• Assessment of K+ selectivity ratios (K+/Na+, K+/Ca2+, K+/Mg2+) using in vitro experiments.
• Evaluation of hemoperfusion performance in simulated hyperkalemic human serum and blood.
• In vitro blood compatibility tests including protein adsorption, hemocyte compatibility, and anticoagulation.

Main Results:

• The developed microspheres demonstrated high selectivity for K+ over other ions (S_K/Na up to 9.8, S_K/Ca up to 21.6, S_K/Mg up to 17.7).
• Effective reduction of elevated K+ levels in simulated hyperkalemic serum and blood, with clearance rates up to 44.4% and 45.3%, respectively.
• Favorable blood compatibility, characterized by low protein adsorption, good hemocyte compatibility, and anticoagulation properties.

Conclusions:

• The novel core-shell microspheres exhibit excellent K+ selectivity and efficacy for hyperkalemia treatment.
• The cell-inspired design offers a promising strategy for adsorbent-based miniaturized blood purification.
• This technology holds significant clinical potential for managing hyperkalemia in high-risk CKD patients, potentially advancing wearable artificial kidney applications.