The affinity for dialysate species of thermally modified titania nanotubes under static and dynamic conditions

During the dialysis process, hemolysis is the most frequently occurring problem to solve. Titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) can be considered as a material preventing hemodialysis or blood species deposition thanks to their unique properties, i.e., hydrophilicity, smooth surface, and antibacterial. The purpose of this work was the electrochemical, chemical, and morphological characteristics of the TNTs and the evaluation of the possibility of using them as filter parts in dialysis techniques.

The tests were carried out on as-formed TNTs with a diameter of 50 ± 5 nm and 1000 ± 100 nm in height, and TNTs thermally modified in air atmosphere temperatures ranging from 350 to 550 °C. Electrochemical and microscopic analyses were performed both in the static and dynamic system of dialysis fluid (flow rate: 250 cm3 /min). Additionally, deposition or damage of blood cells was specified during the ex vivo dialysis experiment.

Obtained results proved relationship between electrochemical properties of TNTs and the method of their modification. The results demonstrated that the TNTs annealed at 450 °C TNTs can be potentially applied for constructions dialysis membrane in the hemodialysis area due to their most stable stationary potential in dialysate, the highest value of impedance modulus, and the most favourable electrokinetic properties. Additionally, it was confirmed that annealed process causes improvement of corrosion resistance and protective properties for TNTs in the dialysis fluid.

The result allowed for the conclusion that annealing is responsible for reduction of adsorption properties of TNTs, though this titanium dioxide nanotube still can be used as filter part in haemodialysis.