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The bioartificial kidney: progress towards an ultrafiltration device with renal epithelial cells processing.
1Artificial Organ Laboratory, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912.
Life Support Systems : the Journal of the European Society for Artificial Organs
|April 1, 1987
Summary
Researchers developed a bioartificial kidney using an ultrafiltration device with cell-covered hollow fibers. This design allows for sustained ultrafiltration without anticoagulation and supports kidney cell growth on various materials.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Bioartificial kidneys aim to replicate kidney function for patients with end-stage renal disease.
- Existing dialysis methods have limitations, necessitating innovative approaches like bioartificial kidneys.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and assess the feasibility of a bioartificial kidney design combining ultrafiltration with renal epithelial cells.
- To evaluate the ability to maintain ultrafiltration and support kidney cell attachment and growth on semipermeable materials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an ultrafiltration device integrated with semipermeable hollow fibers seeded with renal epithelial cells.
- Tested two kidney epithelial cell lines (MDCK and LLC-PK1) on acrylic copolymer and polysulfone materials.
- Monitored ultrafiltration capacity and cell confluence and morphology over time.
Main Results:
- Continuous ultrafiltration was maintained for extended periods without anticoagulation.
- Kidney epithelial cells successfully attached and grew to confluence on acrylic copolymer hollow fibers within three weeks.
- Cell morphology varied based on the polymer's properties, suggesting potential functional differences.
Conclusions:
- The proposed bioartificial kidney design demonstrates feasibility for sustained ultrafiltration and cell culture.
- The choice of semipermeable material influences kidney cell attachment, growth, and differentiation.
- Further research into material properties and cell-material interactions is warranted for optimizing bioartificial kidney function.