Protecting donor kidneys using electric fields
Official title: Protection of donor kidneys with synchronization modulation electric field (SMEF)
Funded at Wr Biotech, LLC · NIH-10705847 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new method to help keep donor kidneys healthy while they are stored, using a special electric field to prevent damage, and it’s being done with adult pigs to see how well it works before using it in human transplants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wr Biotech, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $804,164 |
| NIH project number | 5R42DK130764-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10705847 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are undergoing kidney transplantation or have a need for kidney grafts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not candidates for kidney transplantation or those with non-renal conditions may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel technique called improved Synchronization Modulation Electric Field (i-SMEF) to protect donor kidneys from damage during cold storage. By applying this electric field, the research aims to enhance the function of transplanted kidneys by preventing ischemic injury, which occurs when blood supply is restricted. The study will utilize adult Yorkshire pigs as a preclinical model to evaluate the effectiveness of i-SMEF in maintaining kidney function during transplantation. The approach focuses on optimizing the parameters of the electric field to ensure maximum protection for the kidneys.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved outcomes for kidney transplant patients by enhancing the viability and function of donor kidneys.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar techniques in animal models, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Wr Biotech, LLC
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Ruisheng — Wr Biotech, LLC
- Study coordinator: Liu, Ruisheng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving heart function after transplantation using a new technique
This study is testing a new method to help keep donor hearts healthy while they are stored, so they work better when transplanted into patients, ultimately aiming to make more hearts available for those in need of a transplant.
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.