Context

Renal and liver diseases are global public health problems, with the incidences of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and end-stage liver disease (ESLD) rising annually.

Due to the lack of donor kidneys, most of ESRD patients depend on dialysis treatment using either an artificial kidney or the peritoneal membrane. Both modes are inefficient in removing uremic waste molecules and inadequately remove excess body fluids, potassium and phosphate contributing significantly to severe patient health problems, poor life quality and high mortality (15-20% per year). The impairment of liver functions has also serious implications and is responsible for high rates of patient morbidity and mortality. Liver transplantation still remains the treatment of choice for ESLD patients but is limited by both the high costs and severe shortage of donor organs.

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What BIOART does

BIOART provides state-of-the-art multidisciplinary training for 16 young researchers
(11 Early Stage Researcher (ESR) positions and 5 Experienced Researcher (ER) positions).

BIOART gives them the skills required to make a significant impact in the treatment of kidney and liver diseases. For this, BIOART is developping:

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	A prototype artificial kidney device enabling prolonged/continuous removal of uremic toxins
	A prototype bioartificial kidney device that utilizes human renal epithelial cells for removal of uremic toxins
	A prototype bioreactor device to ensure viability and functions of hepatocyte cells

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