Joosep Paats

Life-sustaining artificial kidney treatment or haemodialysis (HD) is needed for end-stage renal disease and critical care patients. High quality HD must ensure effective and personalized blood purification from harmful uremic toxins (UT), among inflammation-cardiovascular disease related middle size (MM)-UT. This, urged by a need for HD surveillance in crisis (coronavirus, war, energy), has created a demand for on-line, bloodless, and non-infectious tools for UT removal monitoring. Optical monitoring can provide a feasible tool for this. However, to date no reliable monitoring technology of MM-UTs is available. This project aims to fill this knowledge gap. Optical spectral signature identification combined with chromatographic and biochemical analyses to reveal the main optical MM markers in biofluids, selection of best signal processing algorithms, and a proof-of-concept in-vivo clinical study is planned to develop a novel optical technology for on-line MM-UT removal monitoring in HD.

Kidney failure and the need for dialysis are rising, increasing pressure on healthcare systems and expectations for treatment quality. This project addresses a critical gap by developing an optical sensor for real-time assessment of dialysis quality, enabling continuous monitoring of under-monitored uremic toxin removal. Moving beyond single-point measurements, the approach supports data-driven and patient-centred treatment optimization. The project combines technology development with clinical validation and practical implementation, involving a leading industrial partner, a clinical centre, a professional network, and a university of applied sciences. This ensures both relevance and a clear pathway to real-world use. The expected outcome is a clinically validated sensor prototype with strong potential for further development into a market-ready solution, contributing to improved treatment outcomes, innovation in health technologies, and academic workforce development.