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Portable, wearable and implantable artificial kidney systems: needs, opportunities and challenges
David Loureiro Ramada1, Joost de Vries2, Jeroen Vollenbroek2,3
1Advanced Organ bioengineering and Therapeutics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, P.O Box 217, 7500, AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
Nature Reviews. Nephrology
|June 5, 2023
Summary
Innovative artificial kidney technologies aim to improve haemodialysis by addressing cost, solute removal, and patient quality of life. These advancements focus on dialysate regeneration and novel membranes for enhanced toxin removal and bioartificial kidney integration.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nephrology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Current haemodialysis is life-sustaining but costly, with limited toxin removal and negative impacts on patient quality of life and the environment.
- Existing dialysis methods face challenges including high costs, inefficient solute clearance, and a significant carbon footprint.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore innovative dialysis technologies like portable, wearable, and implantable artificial kidneys.
- To address the limitations of current haemodialysis by developing advanced regeneration systems and novel membranes.
- To investigate the potential of bioartificial kidneys for more comprehensive therapeutic functions.
Main Methods:
- Development of dialysate recycling systems utilizing sorbents for continuous regeneration.
- Engineering novel dialysis membranes from polymeric or inorganic materials for improved toxin removal and reduced fouling.
- Exploring the combination of novel membranes with kidney cells to create bioartificial kidneys.
Main Results:
- Novel membranes show potential for broader uraemic toxin removal with reduced fouling compared to current synthetic membranes.
- Sorbent-based dialysate recycling systems offer a promising approach for continuous regeneration in small-volume systems.
- Bioartificial kidneys, integrating novel membranes with kidney cells, could offer more complete therapy and biological functions.
Conclusions:
- Technological breakthroughs in artificial kidney systems require addressing challenges in cell sourcing, large-scale production, and quality control.
- Global collaboration among researchers, industry, healthcare professionals, and patients is crucial for advancing artificial kidney technology.
- Innovative dialysis technologies hold significant promise for improving patient care and overcoming the limitations of conventional haemodialysis.
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