Portable dialysis that regenerates fluid using light-powered urea breakdown
Dialysate regeneration based on photo-electrochemical urea oxidation and reactive adsorption systems
['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · KULEANA TECHNOLOGY, INC. · NIH-11256206
This project aims to give adults on hemodialysis a suitcase-sized machine that reuses two liters of dialysis fluid by breaking down urea with a light-activated catalyst so they can have longer or more flexible treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | KULEANA TECHNOLOGY, INC. (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11256206 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
In Phase I the team built a prototype that fits the dialysis system into a rollaboard-sized suitcase and removes urea with a titanium dioxide (TiO2) photo-activated catalyst. They plan to develop a plasma-based method to produce the TiO2 catalyst more reliably and at scale, test chemical doping with elements like carbon, nitrogen, fluorine, silver, gold and platinum, and verify the new catalyst surfaces are durable. The system works by converting urea into CO2 and N2 so the same two liters of dialysate can be reused during treatment. The goal is a compact, portable device that could enable longer or home-based hemodialysis sessions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with end-stage kidney disease who currently receive hemodialysis and are interested in portable or home-based dialysis would be the likely candidates for future testing.
Not a fit: People treated only with peritoneal dialysis, those medically unable to undergo extracorporeal dialysis, and individuals under 21 years old are unlikely to benefit from this device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could let people on dialysis have longer or more frequent treatments, reduce visits to dialysis centers, and increase freedom and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Some wearable and sorbent-based dialysis approaches have shown promise, but using a TiO2 photo-activated catalyst for regenerated dialysate is relatively new, although Phase I lab work showed high urea-removal efficiency.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- KULEANA TECHNOLOGY, INC. — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FULKERSON, BARRY — KULEANA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
- Study coordinator: FULKERSON, BARRY
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 below.