Abstract: TH-PO0032
Silica Membranes for a Bioartificial Kidney
Session Information
- Bioengineering: MPS, Flow, and Delivery
November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Bioengineering
- 400 Bioengineering
Authors
- van Gaal, Ronald C., Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, UT, Netherlands
- Cummins, Cian, Interuniversitair Micro-Elektronica Centrum, Leuven, Flanders, Belgium
- Irmak, Tugrul, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, UT, Netherlands
- Mihaila, Silvia M., Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, UT, Netherlands
- Gerritsen, Karin G., Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, UT, Netherlands
- Masereeuw, Rosalinde, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, UT, Netherlands
Background
Solid state technologies enable the creation of highly defined porous Si-membranes. Here, we integrated renal cells to create prospective living membranes, which can be used in a bio-artificial kidney. A bio-artificial kidney is a device coupled to hemodialysis where it is proposed to clear protein bound toxins (PBUTs) from the blood via its cellular components grown on the membrane. Currently, PBUTS cannot effectively be cleared by dialysis and lead to secondary health issues such as cardiovascular disease in kidney patients.
Methods
Conditionally immortalized proximal tubule epithelial cells (ciPTECs) were cultured on Si-waiver cut to 1x1 cm. Si-waivers were left blank or were etched to included pores with a diameter of 1.5 – 10 µm or concave structures with a 400 µm diameter. The surface was either Si-oxide or bare Si. Materials were left uncoated or coated with L-DOPA, or L-DOPA and Collagen IV. ciPTECs were seeded at various cell densities in media supplement +/- FBS. ciPTECs were allowed to proliferate at 33°C for 1 - 7d post seeding before switching to 37°C. Cell coverage was quantified using fluorescent staining.
Results
ciPTECs were able to form monolayers on Si-oxide waivers either by coating with L-DOPA/Collagen IV in serum rich conditions or on pristine is serum low conditions. By either increasing the cell density or proliferation time a monolayer could be created on the material. No cell debris could be found in pores below 2 um. Bare Si waivers were not preferred by the cells under any coating condition, expect at porous regions.
Conclusion
We here show that proximal tubule cells are compatible with silica waivers opening up the possibility to create living membranes on Si-membranes for a bioartificial kidney. Future work will focus on producing highly porous membranes with pores below 2 um. The living membranes will also be integrated in on-chip technology to investigate active toxin clearing and nutrient resorption under flow.
Funding
- Government Support – Non-U.S.