Implantable Artificial Kidney: A Puzzle

Development of implantable artificial kidneys is an important aim of modern semiconductor microelectronics. This is a complex aim, achievement of which requires, on the one hand, an overall objective and, on the other, individual evaluation of its various parts and fragments, which make up an interdisciplinary scientific and technological puzzle. The year 2019 saw the creation of an international consortium for development of implantable artificial kidneys — the Kidney Implant Development Network Worldwide (KIDNEW) (https://www.imec-int.com/en/kidnew). The key participant in the consortium is the Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (IMEC), a Belgiumbased noncommercial organization founded in 1984 and now a world leader in this field. IMEC has developed a collaboration with Russia, including with the National Research University of Electronic Technology. This review presents the results of interdisciplinary scientific-technological research conducted to develop artificial objects simulating the properties of the human kidney. The research is conducted at the interface between basic areas of physiology of the urinary system and semiconductor microelectronics of artificial three-dimensional multiscale microflow networks with the aim of advancing the creation of artificial implantable kidneys. Possible pathways for international collaboration are outlined.