Using bubble tea to reduce harmful toxins in kidney disease patients
Therapeutic bubble tea: Preventing the formation of uremic toxins with hydrogel immobilized microbes
This study is testing a new bubble tea that has special microbes to help people with end-stage kidney disease by stopping harmful toxins from forming in their bodies, making it a friendly alternative to traditional dialysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004662 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to help patients with end-stage kidney disease by using an ingestible bubble tea that contains specially engineered microbes. These microbes are designed to prevent the formation of harmful uremic toxins in the body by breaking down their precursors in the gut before they can be converted into toxic forms. Unlike traditional dialysis, which removes toxins from the blood, this method aims to stop the toxins from forming in the first place, potentially improving patient outcomes. The bubble tea is designed to protect the microbes from stomach acid and release them in the intestines where they can work effectively.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with end-stage kidney disease who are currently undergoing or are candidates for dialysis.
Not a fit: Patients with functioning kidneys or those who do not have issues with uremic toxins may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the health and longevity of patients with kidney disease by reducing toxic buildup in their bodies.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using engineered microbes in an ingestible format is innovative, similar strategies targeting gut microbiota for health benefits have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winkler, Mari-Karoliina — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Winkler, Mari-Karoliina
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.