Main Objective
The objective of this study is to investigate how operating conditions influence the adsorption kinetics of sorbents used in Sorbent-Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis (SAPD) under tidal flow operation.
By systematically varying parameters such as solute concentration, flow rate, sorbent ratio, and sorbent mass, the study aims to characterize the dynamic interaction between tidal flow behavior and sorbent performance.
This understanding will contribute to the redesign of a next-generation, portable peritoneal dialysis device within the framework of Projects CORDIAL and REDESIGN-PD.
About the projects
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a valuable alternative to hospital-based hemodialysis (HD), offering patients greater independence and lower costs. Yet its use is limited by low clearance, high glucose exposure, and complications that reduce long-term success. REDESIGN-PD is a new project that aims to overcome these barriers by developing the next generation of PD treatment — making it safer, more effective, and more user-friendly for home use.
REDESIGN-PD builds on the promising results of WEAKID (WEArable KIDney), a novel PD system first developed and clinically tested within the earlier CORDIAL and COPEDIS projects. WEAKID introduced two major innovations: continuous recirculation of dialysate in the peritoneal cavity and sorbent-based dialysate regeneration. Together, these allow for higher clearance and effective fluid removal at much lower glucose exposure. In REDESIGN-PD, the system is further refined into a compact, easy-to-manufacture device designed specifically for home use, followed by new clinical evaluations to prepare it for large-scale trials and eventual market launch.
The expected impact is substantial. Patients can benefit from fewer uremic symptoms, less reliance on medications and dietary restrictions, and improved energy for work and social life. Lower infection and membrane failure rates will extend treatment survival, making PD a more attractive option overall. On a broader scale, shifting patients from in-center HD to home-based PD could reduce healthcare costs by ~€15,000 per patient each year and cut carbon emissions by ~2.5 tons CO₂-equivalent annually. With the potential to benefit more than 500,000 patients worldwide, REDESIGN-PD represents a crucial step forward in dialysis innovation — improving quality of life, lowering costs, and advancing sustainability. REDESIGN-PD is a collaboration between the UMCU, Nanodialysis B.V., and Inreda Diabetic.
Main Research Question
How does tidal flow influence the adsorption kinetics and overall performance of sorbents in Sorbent-Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis (SAPD)?
Sub-Questions
- Baseline kinetics
- What are the intrinsic adsorption kinetics of the selected sorbents under steady and tidal flow conditions?
- Effect of solute concentration
- How does the initial concentration of creatinine and phosphate influence the adsorption capacity, rate constants of the sorbents?
- Effect of flow rate
- How do different inflow and outflow rates in tidal operation affect the overall sorbent efficiency?
- Effect of sorbent ratio
- How does altering the ratio between sorbent A and sorbent B modify competitive adsorption behavior and removal performance?
- Effect of sorbent mass/volume
- How do changes in total sorbent mass or packed-bed volume influence overall removal efficiency and system kinetics?
Expected Outcomes
- Quantitative relationships between flow parameters (flow rate, initial concentrations) and adsorption kinetics to find adsorption parameters.
- Empirical data to support model development for sorbent performance prediction.
- Design recommendations for miniaturized, patient-friendly PD systems (weight and ratio of sorbents) aligned with Project CORDIAL goals.
Student Requirements – Chemical Engineering, Medical Engineering, Technical Medicine, Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Technology, or a related field – Interested in testing and validation of medical devices- nalytical mindset with an interest in data collection and performance evaluation.
Project Length
Internship/ Graduation Project (6 to 9 months)
Location
UMC Utrecht
Contact Information
Sangita Swapnasrita – Postdoc
s.swapnasrita@umcutrecht.nl