Polymeric Membranes for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Polymeric membranes are selective materials used in a wide range of applications that require separation processes, from water filtration and purification to industrial separations. Because of these materials’ remarkable properties, namely, selectivity, membranes are also used in a wide range of biomedical applications that require separations. Considering the fact that most organs (apart from the heart and brain) have separation processes associated with the physiological function (kidneys, lungs, intestines, stomach, etc.), technological solutions have been developed to replace the function of these organs with the help of polymer membranes. This review presents the main biomedical applications of polymer membranes, such as hemodialysis (for chronic kidney disease), membrane-based artificial oxygenators (for artificial lung), artificial liver, artificial pancreas, and membranes for osseointegration and drug delivery systems based on membranes.

Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Membranes for Vascular Stent Coating: Manufacturing, Biomedical and Surgical Applications, Innovations and Case Reports

“…In particular, the possibility of stent thrombosis was found as the mechanical valve used was a VKA together with a P2Y12 inhibitor (prasugrel) [ 63 ].Compared to stents covered with materials such as PU, PTFEP (poly(bis (trifluoroethoxy) phosphazene), poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (PEVA), poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA), and poly(styrene block polymers -b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) [ 64 ], those coated with e-PTFE possess the advantage of having better endothelialization depending on the pore size. The greater conformability of e-PTFE should allow the material to collapse easily which does not happen with other polymers whose stiffness may promote the possibility of kinking and disrupting flow [ 65 ]. They also possess a significantly smaller void than other grafts due to its inherent hydrophobic nature that produces a natural barrier to water that prevents blood permeation [ 66 ].…”

Ibuprofen-Immobilized Thin Films: A Novel Approach to Improve the Clearance of Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins

“…CA presents an attractive choice due to its cost-effectiveness, widespread availability, and versatility for various applications. 15 However, traditional CA-based membranes have struggled due to limitations in their thermal and mechanical properties and a constrained life span. 16,17 To surmount these challenges, our research group has pioneered the development of monophasic hybrid membranes (MHMs) by covalently bonding silica precursors, including tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) 18−20 and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), 21,22 to CA.…”

“…In response to these twin challenges, our research group has shifted its focus toward a more sustainable alternative: cellulose acetate-based (CA-based) membranes for dialysis applications. CA presents an attractive choice due to its cost-effectiveness, widespread availability, and versatility for various applications . However, traditional CA-based membranes have struggled due to limitations in their thermal and mechanical properties and a constrained life span. , …”

Advances in Membrane Separation for Biomaterial Dewatering

“…Membranes allow for selective water filtration by means of size exclusion, solution diffusion, and solute–membrane affinity, , hereby separating the smaller water molecules from the larger biomaterial constituents. Membrane separations are used for many applications, ranging from water purification, − gas separations, , oil–water separations, − and fuel cells − to biomedical separations, − and extensive literature can be found on the design and performance of these membranes. However, the utilization of membranes in the dewatering of biomaterials introduces new requirements and challenges that need to be solved.…”