Dialysis and nanotechnology: now, 10 years, or never?

Abstract

Nanotechnology, defined as the science of material features between 10(-9) and 10(-7) of a meter, has received extensive attention in the popular press as proof-of-concept experiments in the laboratory are published. The inevitable delay between feature articles and clinical endpoints has led to unwarranted skepticism about the applicability of the technology to current medical therapy. The theoretic advantages of micro- and nanometer scale engineering to renal replacement include the manufacture of high-hydraulic permeability membranes with implanted sensing and control structures. Recent data in membrane design and testing is presented, with a review of the challenges remaining in implementation of this technology.