Adsorption-based strategies for removing uremic toxins from blood

Abstract Chronic kidney disease leads to the accumulation of uremic toxins within the blood compartment. Engineered surfaces that adsorb toxins from the blood compartment are a promising approach for clearing uremic toxins not easily removed using membrane-based dialysis techniques. A variety of adsorbent materials have been studied with the purpose of targeting a general group of toxins or a specific uremic toxin. Some of these structures have also been incorporated into toxin clearance systems, including column adsorption and membrane adsorption. This review focuses upon, as much as possible, adsorption studies that included the evaluation of uremic toxin removal. We also discuss certain special adsorbent systems like molecularly imprinted polymer and mixed matrix membranes. The clinical application of several adsorbent systems in uremic toxin removal is also reviewed.