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Published on: January 7, 2020
Comprehensive analysis of cytokine adsorption properties of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) membrane material
Tatsuya Kishikawa1, Hiroaki Fujieda2, Hirokazu Sakaguchi1
1Advanced Materials Research Laboratories, Toray Industries, Inc, 2-1 Sonoyama 3-chome, Otsu, Shiga, 520-0842, Japan.
Abstract:
In acute kidney injury caused by sepsis (septic AKI), excessive production of inflammatory mediators is believed to be involved in deterioration of the disease. Renal replacement therapy using a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) membrane hemofilter improves the pathological condition of septic AKI by adsorbing and removing inflammatory cytokines. However, the adsorption properties of the PMMA membrane are unclear. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the adsorption of 48 different cytokines in human plasma to PMMA and polysulfone (PS) membranes. Seventy-nine percent (38/48) of the cytokines were adsorbed more efficiently to the PMMA membrane than the PS membrane, which indicates that the PMMA membrane has high cytokine adsorption ability. The adsorption rate tended to be higher for the cytokines with lower molecular weight, and there was a significant correlation between the molecular weight of the cytokines and the adsorption rates. Electron microscopy showed that the PMMA hollow fiber membrane had a uniform internal structure from the inner to the outer layers of the membrane and had nano-pores inside the membrane that may have contributed to the adsorption of proteins with a specific molecular weight range. The clinical efficacy of a PMMA membrane hemofilter with cytokine adsorption properties against septic AKI needs further investigation including the evaluation of filtration performance of the hemofilters.
Insights
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) hemofilters effectively adsorb inflammatory cytokines in septic acute kidney injury (AKI). This study confirms PMMA
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) involves excessive inflammatory mediators.
- Renal replacement therapy with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) hemofilters shows promise for septic AKI.
- The cytokine adsorption properties of PMMA membranes require detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively analyze the adsorption of 48 cytokines in human plasma by PMMA and polysulfone (PS) membranes.
- To elucidate the relationship between cytokine properties and membrane adsorption.
- To understand the structural basis for PMMA membrane's adsorption capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of cytokine adsorption on PMMA and PS membranes using human plasma.
- Quantification of adsorption for 48 different cytokines.
- Scanning electron microscopy to examine membrane ultrastructure.
- Correlation analysis between cytokine molecular weight and adsorption rates.
Main Results:
- PMMA membranes demonstrated significantly higher adsorption for 79% (38/48) of tested cytokines compared to PS membranes.
- A negative correlation was observed between cytokine molecular weight and adsorption rate, with lower molecular weight cytokines being adsorbed more efficiently.
- Electron microscopy revealed a uniform internal structure with nanopores in PMMA hollow fiber membranes, potentially facilitating specific protein adsorption.
Conclusions:
- PMMA membranes possess a substantial capacity for adsorbing a wide range of inflammatory cytokines.
- The observed adsorption is influenced by cytokine molecular weight and the unique nanoporous structure of PMMA membranes.
- Further clinical studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy of PMMA hemofilters in treating septic AKI, including assessment of filtration performance.

