Biomed 04 | Artificial Organs
In the 'Artificial Organs' project, we are working on new technologies to create the artificial organs of the future, focusing on artificial kidneys and blood vessels. We are establishing protocols and processes for the production of the first generation of portable artificial kidneys and vessels.
Additionally, we are exploring how to make the artificial kidney increasingly smaller and eventually implantable. The approach is multidisciplinary and aimed at improving or even eliminating the need for dialysis treatment.
By combining cutting-edge technologies and collaborating among leading partners in the field, we are dedicated to advancing artificial organ research and transforming patient care for the better.
Mission
At the forefront of medical innovation, our primary mission is to advance the development and production of next-generation extracorporeal and implantable artificial organs. These organs will be smarter, more responsive, and seamlessly integrated into the human body.
To achieve this, we are pioneering advanced high-tech building blocks that can be produced both reliably and affordably. Our project is inherently multidisciplinary, drawing on a wide range of fields to enhance the quality of life for individuals in need of organ replacement.
Approach
A key goal of our work is to develop components and production lines for next generation artificial kidneys that are not only highly efficient but also increasingly smaller, ultimately striving to create a fully implantable version. This innovation has the potential to transform treatment for kidney failure, eliminating the need for traditional dialysis.
We are developing new high-tech components such as new membranes that can better filter waste from the blood, materials (sorbents and catalysts) that can bind and break down these wastes. We are also working on very small micro-electromechanical systems that can generate energy used for the electronic control of future implantable artificial kidneys.
The future of organ replacement therapy partly lies in the use of biodegradable materials that can support the reconstruction of damaged tissues and organs. In line with this vision, we are developing biodegradable vascular grafts and stents using 3D electrospinning techniques to mimic the natural extracellular matrix. These advanced vascular prostheses can be used to restore patients’ vascular access for dialysis and treat various vascular conditions, such as critical limb ischemia.
By fostering collaboration across medical, scientific and technological disciplines, we are pushing the boundaries of artificial organ technology, finally aiming to significantly enhance the overall health outcomes and quality of life for patients around the world.
Innovative building blocks
Rather than focusing on fully integrated systems, we concentrate on developing individual components that will power next generation, artificial organs. Our efforts are centered around the following key ‘building blocks’:
Micro-Electromechanical Systems (MEMS)
These miniature systems are essential for sensing, actuation, and wireless communication and powering of implantable artificial organs. MEMS technology is promising due to its small size, mass production capabilities, and versatility. Through the use of microsensors and actuators (such as membranes, valves, and pumps), artificial organs can become autonomous and adaptive, utilizing feedback control loops to adjust their functions as needed. Wireless powering systems further enable the use of MEMS in implantable devices.
Our partners: imec, UMC Utrecht, Micronit, Nexperia
(Bio-)Catalyzers
We are working on advanced sorbents and catalysts that bind and break down waste solutes, enabling miniaturization of artificial organs.
Our partners: Chiral Vision, Nextkidney, UMC Utrecht, Dutch Kidney Foundation
Advanced Membranes
Our team is developing two types of high-tech membranes suitable for portable and / or implantable artificial kidney systems:
Polymer-based membranes combining filtration and adsorption that can filter waste products from the blood more effectively, boosting the efficiency and safety of artificial kidneys. These membranes are functionalised for improving their biocompatibility and durability for long term application.
Furthermore, we develop silicon-based ultrathin nanomembranes. These membranes would allow a small form factor, fully implantable artificial kidney with continuous blood filtration.
Our partners, UTwente, Biochem Oss, imec. UMC Utrecht.
3D Electrospun Biodegradable Materials
We are designing nanofiber scaffolds that support tissue restoration and the development of simple organs. Scaling up the production of these nanofiber meshes in a 3D structure is a challenging endeavor. Our project focuses on creating restorative scaffolds that provide a sustainable and biocompatible solution for vascular replacements.
Our partners: Vivolta, Xeltis, Suprapolix, Stentit, Corbion.
Testing Platform
To ensure the reliability of these building blocks, we are creating sterile and non-sterile testing platforms for preclinical validation of artificial organ components. This streamlines the development process and facilitates fast translation from bench to bedside, accelerating the overall innovation cycle.
Our partners: Lifetec, UMC Utrecht
Contact
The UMC Utrecht is responsible for the project management with support from the Dutch Kidney Foundation.
For more information regarding this project, please contact Karin Gerritsen, Project Leader, Artificial Organs, at k.g.f.gerritsen@umcutrecht.nl