Development of functionalized polyetherimide/polyvinylpyrrolidone membranes for application in hemodialysis

Abstract

The present study aimed to synthesize membranes for hemodialysis based on polyetherimide (PEI) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), with chemical immobilization of heparin on its surface to increase blood compatibility. The synthesized PEI/PVP membranes were characterized by morphological analysis and transport properties, as well by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), protein adsorption, contact angle, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and platelet adhesion. Hydraulic permeability of the synthesized PEI membranes were comparable to those of current high flux clinical membranes; values of diffusive permeability and rejection for typical solutes were similar to those reported in literature. The immobilization of heparin, in turn, resulted in more hydrophilic membranes, with insignificant protein adsorption and platelet adhesion (as opposed to actual clinical membranes), indicating anti-thrombogenic characteristics as confirmed by increased aPTT.

Recent developments in polyetherimide membrane for gas separation

“…For instance, PEI is used for water purification and alcohol/water separation . Recently, it is introduced in hemodialysis because of its good compatibility with blood and tissues . PEI is also gas permeable, and it is a promising material for helium purification and oxygen separation .…”

Polyetherimide/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Hollow-Fiber Membranes for Use in Hemodialysis

“…This investigation aims at the synthesis and characterization of polyetherimide/ polyvinylpyrrolidone (PEI/PVP) membranes for application in hemodialysis, with improved removal of medium molecules as compared to the current clinical membranes. Polyetherimide (PEI) membranes are not common in hemodialysis, however they do show interesting characteristics for this application, such as mechanical strength and thermal stability, processability in different forms and suitability for a wide range of surface modifications (Santos et al, 2017).…”

Reactions to Synthetic Membranes Dialyzers: Is there an Increase in Incidence?

“…However, it could happen that some PVP-derived soluble compound detached from the dialyzer membrane may be a causal agent in these reactions, since the most modern PVP-free membranes do not generally cause hypersensitivity reactions. New membranes without PVP or with structural modifications that decrease platelet aggregation and subsequent inflammation are presented as a promising alternative in the near future [27, 28].…”