Zeolite–polymer composite adsorbs uremic toxins

Scientists in Japan have developed a nanofibre mesh that can adsorb creatinine from blood with the hope that it can eventually be developed into a wearable blood-cleaning device for patients with kidney failure.

It is hoped the mesh can eventually be developed into a wearable blood-cleaning device

It is hoped the mesh can eventually be developed into a wearable blood-cleaning device

Kidney failure causes dangerous concentrations of waste products, such as potassium, urea and creatinine, to build-up in the body. Apart from having a kidney transplant, the next best solution for patients is dialysis. Dialysis, however, is far from ideal. It is time-consuming and relies on access to specialist equipment, clean water, electricity, dialysate, and, usually, a hospital. Often these requirements aren’t accessible in rural parts of developing countries and disaster areas.

Read the full article at Chemistry World.

Fabrication of zeolite–polymer composite nanofibers for removal of uremic toxins from kidney failure patients
Mitsuhiro Ebara  
Biomater. Sci., 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3BM60263J

Digg This
Reddit This
Stumble Now!
Share on Facebook
Bookmark this on Delicious
Share on LinkedIn
Bookmark this on Technorati
Post on Twitter
Google Buzz (aka. Google Reader)