In vitro cytocompatibility and blood compatibility of polysulfone blend, surface-modified polysulfone and polyacrylonitrile membranes for hemodialysis

The fabrication of dialysis membranes with significant biocompatibility is an active area of research. In this context, three types of asymmetric flat sheet membranes were fabricated and compared for potential use as hemodialysis membranes. A polysulfone-polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyethylene glycol-based polymer blend membrane, a polysulfone membrane surface-modified with trimesoyl chloride and m-phenylene diamine, and a polyacrylonitrile membrane were synthesized. All three types of membrane were characterized in terms of their surface morphology, permeability, hydrophilicity, surface charge, porosity and mechanical strength. They were then subjected to comprehensive cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility tests as well as analysing the transport of uremic toxins. On the basis of protein adsorption, oxidative stress, cell proliferation and adhesion, all three membranes were comparable. However, the blend and surface-modified membranes showed excellent results for hemolysis, platelet adhesion, blood cell aggregation and degree of thrombus formation. All these results indicated the suitability of the blend and surface-modified membranes for possible dialysis applications.