Researchers from Tokai University in Japan have developed a type of “biological artificial kidney,” which is small in size and easy to transplant. This kidney not only has the function of filtering and excreting waste like a human kidney but also retains useful components.
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Model of the kidney (Photo: VNN) |
This biological artificial kidney mainly consists of two main components.
The first component is the “artificial kidney,” which functions to filter water and waste from the blood.
The second component is the “artificial ureter,” which returns useful components such as water and amino acids from urine back into the blood.
Both the kidney and the artificial ureter are designed in a fiber form.
The inner surface of the “artificial ureter” is coated with a layer of skin cells that function to dissolve waste. The fibers in the kidney are made using skin cells from pigs.
These skin cells can return beneficial substances like glucose, vitamins, and minerals back to the blood.
Previous types of artificial kidneys could only filter waste through osmosis and did not have the capability to return components like amino acids back to the blood.
Researchers have conducted transplants of this new artificial kidney in goats.
After two weeks, the researchers confirmed that the artificial kidney began to function effectively.
Currently, they are researching a biological artificial kidney for humans, and after confirming its safety, they will proceed to clinical trials. In the future, this could be great news for patients with kidney diseases.
Tuyết Nhung
