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In situ engineered selenium nanoparticles enable multifunctional PLA mixed matrix membranes with potential for
Aleksandra Domke1, Mariusz Jancelewicz2, Tomasz Szymański2
1Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Berdychowo 4, 60-965 Poznań, Poland. aleksandra.domke@doctorate.put.poznan.pl.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|May 7, 2026
Summary
New polylactic acid (PLA)/PEG membranes with selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) show promise for hemodialysis. These advanced materials offer improved filtration, fouling resistance, and antibacterial properties while maintaining blood compatibility.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing advanced membrane materials for hemodialysis is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Current hemodialysis membranes face challenges in balancing filtration efficiency, fouling resistance, antibacterial activity, and blood compatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and evaluate polylactic acid (PLA)/PEG mixed-matrix membranes incorporating selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) for hemodialysis applications.
- To investigate the physicochemical properties, filtration performance, antibacterial activity, and biocompatibility of these novel membranes.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLA/PEG mixed-matrix membranes with in situ synthesized Se-NPs using ascorbic acid.
- Comprehensive characterization using SEM, TEM, FT-IR, and AFM.
- Evaluation of antifouling properties, filtration performance (pure water flux, creatinine clearance, BSA loss), antibacterial activity against E. coli, and blood compatibility (cytotoxicity, hemolysis, plasma recalcification time, platelet adhesion).
Main Results:
- Se-NPs were effectively incorporated and uniformly distributed within the PLA/PEG matrix, influencing membrane morphology and properties.
- Se-NP incorporation significantly enhanced antifouling performance and hydrophilicity, with the 30Se membrane exhibiting optimal results.
- The membranes demonstrated a favorable balance of permeability and selectivity, achieving high pure water flux, >90% creatinine clearance, and reduced BSA loss.
- Antibacterial activity against E. coli was observed, and the materials maintained excellent biocompatibility with blood components.
Conclusions:
- PLA/PEG membranes incorporating Se-NPs are multifunctional materials with significant potential for next-generation hemodialysis systems.
- The enhanced antifouling, antibacterial, and hemocompatible properties make these membranes highly relevant for dialysis-like separation processes.
- Further optimization and in-depth biological evaluation are warranted to fully realize their clinical potential.
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