Protein adsorption-resistant hollow fibers for blood purification

Nonfouling polysulfone (PSf) hollow fiber membranes resistant to protein adsorption and deposition were newly developed by the addition of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer. To improve hydrophilicity, permeability, and nonfouling characteristics of the PSf hollow fiber in a hemodialyzer, we synthesized a MPC polymer which can be blended with PSf for preparing the polymer alloy (PSf/MPC polymer). The composition of the MPC polymer blended in the PSf was in the range between 7.0 and 15 wt%. From the PSf/MPC polymer solution, flat membranes and hollow fibers could be prepared. These membranes took an asymmetric structure, and its mechanical strength was good. The surface characterization of the PSf/MPC polymer hollow fiber membrane by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the MPC units were concentrated at the surface. The permeability for solutes through the PSf/MPC polymer membrane was higher, and the amount of protein adsorbed on the PSf/MPC polymer membrane was lower than those of the PSf membrane. Moreover, platelet adhesion was also effectively inhibited on the PSf/MPC polymer membrane.