Microfluidics based portable dialysis devices for chronic kidney disease

Microfluidics based portable dialysis devices for chronic kidney disease

 

Lead: Salman Promon

Project Summary:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions of individuals worldwide, many of whom rely on conventional hemodialysis systems that are large, immobile, and require specialized clinical settings. This project aims to develop a microfluidics-based portable dialysis device that offers a safer, more accessible, and patient-friendly alternative to traditional dialysis. By integrating advanced microfluidic channels, selective filtration membranes, and miniaturized fluid control systems, the device will efficiently remove metabolic waste and excess fluid from patient blood with significantly reduced equipment size and resource consumption. This project has the potential to transform CKD management by enabling home-based or even wearable dialysis, reducing treatment burden, improving patient mobility, and enhancing overall quality of life. Ultimately, the development of a compact, reliable, and cost-effective microfluidic dialysis platform could expand global access to life-saving renal therapy, particularly in low-resource settings.

What is already known in the field?

  • Traditional hemodialysis systems are large, clinic-based, and limit patient mobility, prompting demand for portable alternatives.
  • Microfluidic technologies have shown promise for miniaturizing blood filtration by improving mass transfer and reducing required blood and dialysate volumes.
  • Early prototypes of wearable or portable dialysis devices exist, but they still face challenges in efficiency, membrane biocompatibility, and long-term reliability.

What is new?

  • Microfluidics can drastically reduce device size by enhancing diffusion and filtration efficiency through precisely engineered microchannel architectures.
  • Integrated sensors and low-power pumps can enable real-time monitoring and autonomous flow control, making treatment safer and more personalized. Advanced biocompatible membranes and sorbent-based dialysate regeneration can support long-duration, low-volume dialysis suitable for true portability or wearable use.

Why is this important?

This research is important because it can transform dialysis into a more accessible, portable, and patient-friendly therapy, greatly improving quality of life for people with chronic kidney disease.

 Ongoing/future steps:

  • Further optimization of microchannel design, membrane materials, and sorbent regeneration systems is needed to ensure long-term efficiency and biocompatibility.
  • Clinical validation, durability testing, and integration of user-friendly interfaces will be essential to translate portable microfluidic dialysis devices into real-world patient use.