Researchers from the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering have developed a new hemodialysis membrane made of graphene oxide (GO), a single-atomic layered material, which has the promise of revolutionizing treatments for kidney dialysis patients. This advancement enables a microchip dialyzer to be attached on a patient’s skin. Operating with arterial pressure, it would eliminate the blood pump and extracorporeal blood circuit, allowing safe dialysis in the comfort of home. The membrane has two orders of magnitude higher permeability compared to the existing polymer membranes, is hemocompatible, and does not foul like polymer membranes.
UF Engineers Develop New Membrane that Improves Blood Dialysis
