The
artificial kidney, one of the greatest medical inventions in the 20th century, has saved innumerable lives with
end stage renal disease. Designs of
artificial kidney evolved dramatically in decades of development. A hollow-fibered membrane with well controlled blood and
dialysate flow became the major design of the modern
artificial kidney. Although they have been well established to prolong patients' lives, the modern blood purification system is still imperfect. Patient's quality of life, complications, and lack of metabolic functions are shortcomings of current blood purification treatment. The direction of future
artificial kidneys is toward miniaturization, better biocompatibility, and providing metabolic functions. Studies and trials of
silicon nanopore membranes, tissue engineering for renal cell
bioreactors, and
dialysate regeneration are all under development to overcome the shortcomings of current
artificial kidneys. With all these advancements, wearable or implantable
artificial kidneys will be achievable.