Research into Biohybrid Artificial Kidney
February 4, 2025 – Universities, engineers, and companies are collaborating to develop an implantable biohybrid kidney that can partially replicate the functions of a natural kidney in patients with kidney failure.
The Public-Private Partnership (PPS) program is supported by Health Holland and the Dutch Kidney Foundation. Dimitrios Stamatialis, a professor in the Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics department (Faculty of Applied Sciences/TechMed Center, University of Twente), and his team aim to develop a bioartificial kidney device consisting of kidney tubular cells attached to hollow fibre polymer membranes. This design mimics the natural filtration mechanisms of healthy kidneys.
The biohybrid kidney will feature a nanoporous filter for hemofiltration, combined with synthetic cells that reabsorb water and essential dissolved substances from the filtrate. Meanwhile, toxic waste molecules will be efficiently separated.
