Hemocompatibility evaluation of poly(1,8-octanediol citrate) blend polyethersulfone membranes

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Membrane Technology
• Hemocompatibility Research

Background:

• Polyethersulfone (PES)-based membranes are widely used but often require surface modification to improve hemocompatibility for biomedical applications.
• Enhancing the hemocompatibility of membranes is crucial for reducing adverse blood-membrane interactions during blood purification processes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To modify polyethersulfone (PES) membranes with poly (1,8-octanediol citrate) (POC) to enhance their hemocompatibility.
• To investigate the effect of varying POC concentrations on the physicochemical and hemocompatibility properties of PES membranes.

Main Methods:

• PES membranes were fabricated using the phase-inversion technique with varying concentrations of POC (0-3%) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a pore-forming agent.
• Membrane characterization included ATR-FTIR, TGA, SEM, AFM, contact angle, Zeta-potential, porosity, pore size, and pure water flux (PWF).
• Hemocompatibility was assessed through protein adsorption (fibrinogen), platelet adhesion, coagulation tests (APTT, PT), complement activation (C3a, C5a), and calcium ion absorption.

Main Results:

• Increased POC concentration led to reduced fibrinogen adsorption and platelet adhesion on the modified PES membranes.
• POC modification significantly prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT), indicating improved anticoagulation properties.
• Enhanced hemocompatibility was evidenced by lower thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT), complement component C3a and C5a activation, and increased Ca2+ absorption.

Conclusions:

• Modification of PES membranes with poly (1,8-octanediol citrate) effectively improves hemocompatibility.
• The enhanced hemocompatibility suggests potential applications in blood purification devices, particularly hemodialysis membranes.