In the group of prof. Verhaar (UMCU), Karin Gerritsen and co-workers are developing a wearable or portable artificial kidney device, that can be used for hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis with continuous dialysate regeneration. In recent years a prototype combining electro-oxidation and sorbents was constructed. Although electro-oxidation seems the best way to limit the size of the device to wearable proportions, the technique may theoretically yield multiple toxic degradation products. Our goal at the end of this project is to ensure that electro-oxidation is a viable option and to deliver a safe and effective detoxification unit for the miniature dialysis device. to limit the size of the device to wearable proportions, the technique may theoretically yield multiple toxic degradation products. Our goal at the end of this project is to ensure that electro-oxidation is a viable option and to deliver a safe and effective detoxification unit for the miniature dialysis device. |
Aims
In recent years a prototype combining electro-oxidation and sorbent technology was constructed. Effective removal of waste ions and organic compounds was demonstrated with a device of ~3kg (without battery). Although electro-oxidation seems the best way to limit the size of the artificial kidney to wearable proportions and achieve a completely regenerable system, the electrochemical technique appeared to yield toxic degradation products. For further development modification of the technique and extended safety analysis are urgently required. Recent major developments in electro-oxidation technology and electrochemical metabolite detection now allow us to extensively explore electrochemical dialysate regeneration.
Our goal at the end of this project is a safe and effective detoxification unit, that can be applied in a miniature dialysis device.
Specific aims of the project are:
- Optimization of the electrochemical conditions, electrode materials, electrode potentials and geometry to achieve maximal performance with minimal formation of undesired by-products.
- Safety analysis of electro-oxidation technology.
- Development of techniques to remove undesired oxidation products from the regenerated dialysate.