Evaluation of the Biocompatibility of Dialysis Membranes

Abstract

Background: Improvements in the biocompatibility of dialysis membranes have reduced biological responses elicited by blood-membrane interactions. In this article, recent technological developments in dialysis membranes with regard to biocompatibility and recent progress in the evaluation of the biocompatibility of dialysis membranes are reviewed. Summary: The focus of investigation into dialysis membranes in recent years has focused on not only membrane materials, but also their surface textures, which have been changed, for example, by coating with vitamin E or by changing the amount and type of hydrophilizing agents used. Research and development is directed at altering the chemical and physical properties of membrane surfaces to suppress biological responses that are particularly elicited as a result of platelet activation. To develop membranes with excellent biocompatibility, biocompatibility should be evaluated on a like-for-like basis under conditions that are similar to those in clinical settings. Evaluation using actual dialyzers can be performed using porcine blood, platelet-rich plasma isolated from porcine blood (and platelet-rich plasma with leukocytes), or suspension of neutrophils isolated from porcine blood or cultured human monocytes. Key Messages: Highly biocompatible dialysis membranes can be developed when the overall correlations among biological reactions are examined by integrating all data on biological responses elicited by blood-membrane interactions or mutual interactions among blood cells.

Biocompatibility and Cytotoxic Evaluation of New Sorbent Cartridges for Blood Hemoperfusion

“…Biocompatibility testing is of utmost importance before approval of such devices for commercial use [38]. As described by Kokubo et al [39], experimental studies to test for membranes biocompatibility (sorbent material in the case of adsorption) can be performed using porcine blood/platelet-rich plasma (with leukocytes), looking for signs of platelet activation. It can also be done using suspension of neutrophils isolated from porcine blood looking for production of reactive oxygen species.…”

Proteomic Characterization of a New asymmetric Cellulose Triacetate Membrane for Hemodialysis

“…Here we have shown that modifications to the CTA material, primarily the smoother blood‐contacting surface, have given ATA membrane an improved biocompatibility profile vis‐à‐vis conventional CTA membrane, the latter being per se characterized by low protein adsorption properties ensuring good biocompatibility . Our results also indicate the usefulness of bioinformatics coupled to proteomic analyses in characterizing the biological reactions which may be elicited by activated surface‐adsorbed proteins.…”

“…The material of the dialysis membrane is the main determinant of the biological responses occurring during the HD procedure. Thus, modification of surface material designed to optimize both the chemical and the physical properties of blood‐exposed membrane surface, is essential in order to improve biocompatibility …”

Hemocompatibility evaluation of poly(1,8‐octanediol citrate) blend polyethersulfone membranes

“…Smoothers membrane have lesser platelets adhesion and BSA adsorption. 20 Increase POC content reduce membrane surface roughness as shown in Figure 3, hence would lead to lower platelet adhesion and protein adsorption, thus improve membrane hemocompatibility.…”