Anti-thrombogenicity and permeability of polyethersulfone hollow fiber membrane with sulfonated alginate toward blood purification

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of sulfonated alginate as a modifying agent to enhance the hemocompatibility of self-fabricated polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membrane for blood detoxification. Sodium alginate was sulfonated with a degree of 0.6 and immobilized on the membrane via surface amination and using glutaraldehyde as cross-linking agent. Coating layer not only improved the membrane surface hydrophilicity, but also induced −39.2 mV negative charges on the surface. Water permeability of the modified membrane was enhanced from 67 to 95 L/m2·h·bar and flux recovery ratio increased more than 2-fold. Furthermore, the modified membrane presented higher platelet adhesion resistance (reduced by more than 90%) and prolonged coagulation time (35 s for APTT and 14 s for PT) in comparison with the pristine PES hollow fiber membrane, which verified the improved anti-thrombogenicity of the modified membrane. On the other hand, obtained membrane after 3 h coating could remove up-to 60% of the uremic toxins. According to the obtained data, sulfonated alginate can be a promising modifying agent for the future blood-contacting membrane and specially blood purification issues

Treatment of hyperbilirubinemia: various technologies and challenges

Bilirubin removal from blood and curing patients suffering from hyperbilirubinemia by surgery, medication or interventional therapies was common, previously. Alternative bilirubin separation techniques such as plasma exchange, affinity chromatography and etc., are efficient in reducing high levels of bilirubin with fewer side effects. However, due to the various causes and complications associated with hyperbilirubinemia, different strategies are needed for the treatment. This article offers a historical overview on these strategies, challenges and also outlines the technological advantages and disadvantages associated with various bilirubin removal techniques

Current approaches in improving hemocompatibility of polymeric membranes for biomedical application

Suitable membranes for blood-contacting medical applications need to be resistant in confrontation with blood proteins and cells, while possessing high blood compatibility and permeability at the same time. Herein, an overview of the recent advances and strategies that have been used to enhance the hemocompatibility of polymeric membranes is provided. The review focuses on two modification strategies: (i) physical modifications and (ii) chemical modifications. It also highlights the current progress in the design of hemocompatible-functionalized membranes for biomedical applications. Subsequently, the commonly applied biocompatibility tests are also discussed and finally the future perspectives of the application of polymeric membranes in the biomedical field are presented. (Figure presented.)