Evaluating Electrospun Polycaprolactone Fibers for Blood-Contacting Applications

When the kidneys are injured, uremic toxins (UTXs) accumulate in the body, affecting other tissues and causing a loss of essential body functions. This study investigated the adsorption of blood plasma-laden UTXs on the surface of PCL fibers to assess their potential as an alternative to membrane dialysis materials. Using plasma containing 26 UTXs at a concentration similar to that found in end-stage kidney disease patients, we analyzed the adsorbed proteins and examined clot formation in normal and toxin-treated plasma in the presence of PCL fibers. Our findings revealed that the presence of UTXs significantly increased the adsorption of proteins on PCL fiber meshes, without leading to increased clot formation. This suggests a lack of enzymatic activation despite the higher protein adsorption. Additionally, our study indicates that unmodified PCL surfaces have the potential to trigger a strong humoral immune response, underscoring the importance of understanding these interactions for the development of personalized treatment approaches for patients with kidney failure.