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KidneyGuard
Jan Štovíček, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague; Daniel Křížek, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague; Jan Vyčítal, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague
University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague
Challenge
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a condition characterized by a rapid decline in renal function. Assessing levels of creatinine, a key biomarker for kidney function, can facilitate the early detection of AKI and expedite treatment. KidneyGuard presents a continuous biosensor designed to monitor creatinine levels, which has the potential to enable earlier diagnosis of AKI compared to existing methods. Early detection of AKI is critical, as it allows clinicians to intervene sooner, potentially preventing further kidney damage, and reducing the burden on the healthcare system. One of the patient groups that is in higher risk of AKI, are patients who have undergone major surgeries (f. E. transplantations). While these patients are closely monitored during the first months of postoperative care, the risk of AKI can persist for more than a year after surgery. During this later period, follow-up appointments become less frequent, increasing the likelihood that kidney injury may go unnoticed. Therefore, solutions that enable continued monitoring and help minimize this risk are highly valuable.
Technology
KidneyGuard comprises a microneedle array, a microfluidic measuring cell, a waste compartment, and a potentiostat control board, all currently housed within a 50 x 50 x 15 mm casing. The flow of analyte is initiated by applying the biosensor to the wearer’s skin, utilizing capillary forces to maintain a consistent flow, in similar fashions as with the glucose monitors. KidneyGuard utilizes porous hydrogel for enzyme immobilization, ensuring the faster conversion of analytes into electrochemically active molecules, while minimizing activity loss and increasing shelf life. The platform can run in amperometric or potentiometric settings utilizing the reaction between reactive oxygen species (ROS) created by the enzymatic reaction and modified screen-printed electrodes, allowing for detection in a concentration range of 0,03 to 1,00 millimole/l.
Commercial Opportunity
KidneyGuard’s market leverage is its real-time creatinine data monitoring where time matters: AKI develops in up to 30 % of patients after a major surgery. Continuous creatinine monitoring during the peri-operative window may help clinicians act before damage emerges. With also other opportunities being:
• Remote renal monitoring – transplant or frail patients can see how drugs, diet and hydration affect kidney function without repeated blood draws, cutting clinic visits.
• And lastly ureteral-stent follow-up – early creatinine rises expose displacement, blockage or infection, enabling targeted imaging or intervention and personalised surveillance.
Development Status
KidneyGuard is in a proof-of-concept phase. Our initial product will be a biosensor device utilizing electrochemical recognition based on an enzymatic cascade reaction. Looking ahead, our vision includes creating a wearable biosensor capable of multi-disease monitoring, incorporating biomarkers, such as potassium, pH and Cystatin C, in addition to enzymes to detect multiple conditions simultaneously, enhancing comprehensive health monitoring within a single device.
Patent Situation
At the moment we have a pending patent application in Czech Republic with outlooks for European patent.
Further Reading
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