K. Guha
National Institute of Technology Silchar,
India
Keywords: kidney-on-chip, microfluidics, fluid shear stress and re-absorption
Summary:
This paper proposes an artificial kidney functioning using size dependent absorption of solutes. The dimensions of the device are exactly designed by considering proximal tubule. The fluid shear stress inside the kidney which is responsible for functioning is also mimicked with same structure, its importance is determined. The structure has two blood carrying tubules connected with a main tubule. The main tubule is placed in between the two blood tubules. Main tubule carries the lumen fluid. The re-absorption of solutes from main tubule to blood tubules is done by transporting channels etched between them. The channels size is selected based on the size of the solutes in the water. Structural changes step, serpentine, diagonal and straight have been considered and simulated. As per the results obtained diagonal structure has more flow and re-absorption rate. But straight structure has promised a good re-absorption rate of 50 % with less complexity in design and fabrication aspects. The number of channels required per structure is also calculated and it is found to be 167 per 500 nm. length. The proposed design is a well-suited Bio-reactor for artificial kidney applications. The simulation of the structures allows easy modifications and more ease to analyse the structures for better performance.