Urea removal by means of direct binding

The availability of more efficient means for the removal of metabolic waste products, especially urea, from dialysates, body fluids or the gastrointestinal tract, is a key to new and simpler ways of treatment of renal failure patients. A research program of Organon Teknika in cooperation with AKZO Chemie has resulted in development of a new sorbent in which the active element is the ninhydrin entity. This product irreversibly binds urea under mild conditions without formation of side products. Also creatinine is bound. The sorbent proves to be non-toxic, non-pyrogenic, stable, insoluble and resistant against acid and sterilization procedures. In combination with amongst others a sorbent for phosphate and potassium developed earlier, the urea sorbent can be applied in dialysate regeneration. In vitro experiments show that for dialyses of four hours duration less than one kg of urea sorbent can be sufficient. Also other applications, e.g., oral use are mentioned.