Antifouling and Blood-Compatible Poly(ether sulfone) Membranes Modified by Zwitterionic Copolymers via In Situ Crosslinked Copolymerization

A novel and simple but practical method for the preparation of modified poly(ether sulfone) (PES) membranes was provided by the in situ crosslinked copolymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and sodium p-styrene sulfonate (NaSS) in PES solution followed by a phase-separation technique. Then, semi-interpenetrating network membranes modified by the crosslinked copolymers of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate-co-sodium p-styrene sulfonate) [P(SBMA-co-NaSS)] were prepared. The SBMA-containing copolymer-modified membranes showed improved protein antifouling properties with flux recovery ratios above 90%. Furthermore, the anticoagulant properties of the NaSS-containing copolymer-modified membranes were obviously enhanced; their activated partial thromboplastin time could be prolonged to about 115 s. Thus, the P(SBMA-co-NaSS) zwitterionic copolymer-modified membranes showed improved antifouling properties and blood compatibility and will provide wide choices for their specific applications. (C) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.