A blood filter that works without anticoagulants for kidney treatment
Official title: A silicon nanopore membrane blood filter enabling anticoagulant free continuous renal replacement therapy for acute kidney injury
Funded at Silicon Kidney, LLC · NIH-10784679 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new blood filter called the HemoCartridge that could help patients with acute kidney injury by cleaning their blood without needing blood-thinning medications, making treatment easier and safer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Silicon Kidney, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Ramon, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2019 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,019,958 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DK120242-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10784679 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are critically ill patients suffering from acute kidney injury who require continuous renal replacement therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable kidney function or those not requiring renal replacement therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new type of blood filter called the HemoCartridge, which uses advanced silicon nanopore membrane technology to treat patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) without the need for anticoagulant medications. By eliminating the use of anticoagulants, the HemoCartridge aims to simplify the treatment process, reduce complications, and lower costs associated with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). The research involves creating a clinical-scale version of this filter and testing its effectiveness in clearing toxins from the blood while ensuring compatibility with blood components. This innovative approach could significantly improve the care of critically ill patients requiring kidney support.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more cost-effective treatment option for patients with acute kidney injury.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using a silicon nanopore membrane for blood filtration is innovative, similar technologies have shown promise in other applications, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Silicon Kidney, LLC
San Ramon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blaha, Charles — Silicon Kidney, LLC
- Study coordinator: Blaha, Charles
Related research
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Using smart computer predictions to prevent kidney injury after heart surgery
A machine-learning approach uses routinely collected hospital data to predict who might develop acute kidney injury after heart surgery, so clinicians can act early.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.