A new vision upon hemodialysis: A shift from synthetic to sustainable chitosan membranes

The article provides a comprehensive review of chronic kidney disease (CKD), covering its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. It highlights CKD's increasing prevalence globally and its significant impact on public health due to its association with cardiovascular diseases and progression to end-stage kidney disease. The article delves into the diagnostic criteria, including the use of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and albuminuria levels, and outlines the stages of CKD to facilitate early detection and management. It also discusses renal replacement therapies (RRT) such as dialysis and transplantation, comparing hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) in terms of efficiency, complications, and quality of life impacts. The transition towards sustainable dialysis involves the innovative integration of chitosan, a biopolymer into membrane technology. Current synthetic membranes, though functional, fall short in biocompatibility and sustainability. Chitosan's introduction aims to mitigate these issues by harnessing its advantageous biological and eco-friendly properties. Leveraging chitosan not only addresses environmental concerns by providing a sustainable alternative but also exploits the full potential of its properties to revolutionize RRT. The shift towards chitosan-enriched membranes represents a significant stride in advancing dialysis treatment, focusing on patient safety, environmental sustainability, and the effective management of CKD. This approach underscores the importance of innovation in healthcare, specifically in the development of dialysis technologies that prioritize both patient welfare and environmental sustainability.