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Experts create nephron-like device that mimics kidney ion transport

Implantable artificial kidneys brought one step closer with this tech

03-Jun-2020

Key points from article :

Chemical engineering researchers shed light to possible future for artificial kidneys.

They created a device able to filter blood in a way similar to biological nephrons.

Focusing on the ion transport function, mimicking it through a platinum porous mesh.

"The system could work as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with peritoneal dialysis.

Minor modifications enable it to function as a wearable, potentially implantable artificial kidney.

Nephron could be combined with ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, or reverse osmosis systems.

And then integrated into an artificial kidney.

In US, over 93,000 people are currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.

Tech won't come in the near future but a piece of the complex puzzle already solved.

Researchers from University of Arkansas, published in Nature Communications Materials.

Mentioned in this article:

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Christa Hestekin

Associate professor of chemical engineering, University of Arkansas

Nature Communications Materials

Selective open access journal from Nature Research

University of Arkansas

Public research university, Arkansas

Topics mentioned on this page:
Artificial Organs, Kidney Disease