Project Nephros
Developing sustainable, reusable hemofiltration membranes for improved dialysis and future implants.
PROJECT HISTORY
Project Nephros is a student-led initiative dedicated to reshaping the future of artificial renal replacement therapies. Our team of 15 motivated students, with backgrounds in engineering, biomedical science, and medicine, brings together diverse expertise to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in modern healthcare.
We began with a comprehensive review of current literature, carefully organising and analysing existing knowledge to guide the design of innovative renal technologies. Our current focus is on improving dialysis therapies by prioritising sustainability, enhancing patient outcomes, and increasing quality of life.
GOALS
A major goal of our project is to adapt expanded hemodialysis (HDx) for home use. By making treatment more accessible and comfortable, we aim to reduce the emotional strain of hospital-based dialysis while relieving pressure on healthcare facilities. Supporting patients in remaining at home with their families can lead to better mental wellbeing and a greater sense of autonomy.
PLANS
Looking ahead, our long-term objective is to develop reusable hemofiltration systems as a step toward a fully implantable artificial kidney. This would represent a significant shift in treatment for chronic kidney failure, offering patients freedom from ongoing dialysis and a vastly improved quality of life.
Project Nephros is committed to working collaboratively with partners who share our goals. Through community engagement, resource sharing, and strategic support, we believe we can make a meaningful impact in the fight against kidney disease.
MEET THE TEAM
Exec Subteam
The Executive Team oversees the direction, operations, and cohesion of the Monash Heart Hack team. Acting as a leadership group, the exec team coordinates across all subteams to ensure smooth collaboration and progress toward the development of a complete hemodialysis machine, sets goals, organises team meetings and workshops, facilitates communication between academic advisors, and representing the team in external engagements.
Control Team
Our Control team focuses on the sensing, monitoring, and regulation of the system. The team integrates sensors for key parameters including pressure, flow, temperature, and air bubble detection, enabling real-time monitoring of the dialysis process. A PID-based control system regulates pump operation and maintains the desired flow rate, while the user interface provides real-time feedback, system status, and safety alerts. Together, these control systems enable automated monitoring and regulation of the device, supporting safe, reliable, and user-friendly operation.
Design Team
Our Design team focuses on the physical development and fabrication of the device, including the pump system, housing, and fluid circuitry required for safe and reliable operation. The team designs and integrates the fluid pathway, pumps, and mechanical components, while developing a compact and organised housing that accommodates the device’s electrical and mechanical systems. This work ensures efficient fluid transport, accessible components, and a robust platform capable of supporting reliable operation throughout the blood filtration process.
Project Spera
Project Spera is a simulation-focused project dedicated to advancing the development of a Total Artificial Kidney (TAK). The project combines two key areas of focus: continuous research into the clinical and technological challenges of kidney replacement, and the development of scalable, open-source simulation tools to model and evaluate potential solutions.
Through ongoing investigation of the problem space, Spera explores opportunities to improve upon existing kidney replacement technologies and identify new approaches to artificial kidney design. Our open-source simulation pipeline provides a flexible platform for modelling system behaviour, testing design concepts, and accelerating the evaluation of emerging technologies.
Ultimately, Project Spera aims to contribute to the development of novel, accessible, and scalable technologies for kidney replacement, helping pave the way towards more effective alternatives to conventional dialysis
Project Renova
Project Renova focuses on improving awareness, accessibility, and understanding of home dialysis through research and community engagement. The project investigates the broader problem space surrounding home-based dialysis, including the barriers that prevent patients from accessing and adopting home treatment.
Alongside ongoing research, Renova develops initiatives to improve access to clear and reliable information about home dialysis. This includes a public-facing website designed to make information more accessible to patients, families, and the broader community, as well as a campaign promoting home dialysis and its potential benefits.
Through research, education, and advocacy, Project Renova aims to empower patients with greater knowledge and support the broader adoption of accessible home dialysis solutions.
Join us in driving the next generation of renal care.
Whether through collaboration, in-kind contributions, or financial support, your partnership can help bring life-changing technologies to those who need them most.