Preparation of blood‐compatible hollow fibers from a polymer alloy composed of polysulfone and 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine polymer

Abstract

Blood-compatible hollow fibers were successfully prepared from a polymer alloy composed of polysulfone (PSf) and the 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer. To improve the hydrophilicity, fouling-resistance characteristics, and blood compatibility of the PSf hollow fiber in a hemodialyzer, an MPC polymer that can be blended with PSf was synthesized in order to prepare the polymer alloy (PSf/MPC polymer). The contents of the MPC polymer blended in the PSf were 7 and 15 wt%. The PSf/MPC polymer hollow fiber could be prepared by both wet and dry-wet processing methods. The hollow fiber took an asymmetric structure, that is, the hollow-fiber membrane had a dense skin layer on the porous sponge-like structure. The mechanical strength was higher than that of conventional PSf hollow fibers for hemodialysis. The surface characterization of the PSf/MPC polymer hollow fiber by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the MPC units were concentrated at the surface. The permeability for solutes through the PSf/MPC polymer hollow fibers was measured for 4 h. The permeabilities of both a low-molecular-weight compound and protein were greater than those of the PSf hollow fibers. The amount of adsorbed protein was lower on the PSf/MPC polymer hollow fiber when compared to that of the PSf hollow fiber. Moreover, platelet adhesion was also effectively inhibited on the PSf/MPC polymer hollow fiber. Based on these results, the addition of the MPC polymer to the PSf is a very useful method to improve the functions and blood compatibility of the hollow fiber.

Cell membrane-inspired phospholipid polymers for developing medical devices with excellent biointerfaces

“…MPC polymers have recently been applied to improve blood compatibility of blood-contacting and cardiovascular devices such as medical membranes for oxygenators and hemodialysis membranes [124][125][126][127][128][129], vascular prostheses [130][131][132][133], stents [134,135], cardiopulmonary bypasses [136][137][138], and ventricular assist devices (VADs) [139,140].…”

Phosphorus‐Containing Polysulfones

“…Ishihara et al also investigated that polysulfone/MPC polymers blend membranes could improve blood compatibility and reduce protein adsorption and platelet adhesion [104][105][106][107][108]. Based on these results, the addition of the MPC polymer to the polysulfone should be a very useful method to improve the functions and blood compatibility.…”

Bionic design for surface optimization combining hydrophilic and negative charged biological macromolecules

“…In order to substitute for artificial devices in contact with blood, new ways for making blood compatible polymer surface have been proposed with considerably attention to the outer surface of the materials [5][6][7]. Although materials with truly blood compatibility have not been found, material modification is a very efficient method in improving blood compatibility [8][9][10].…”