Work

Development of the electrospun membranes based on quaternized polysulfones with performance and functionality in hemodialysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Progress of the electrospun dialysis membrane manufacturing is crucial in renal care to significantly enhance the hemodialysis process by increasing toxin removal efficiency from biological fluids, while reducing the risk of patient inflammation and discomfort. New electrospun membranes are developed by combining quaternized polysulfone (PSFQ) with cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and incorporating antioxidants to address limitations of existing dialysis membranes and to achieve an optimal balance between permeability and selectivity, making them suitable for practical applications. Customized architecture and chemistry play a key role in the performance and functionality of PSFQ-based bioactive membranes in hemodialysis. A PSFQ/CAP/PVDF blend ratio of 70/28/2 (wt/wt/wt) in 2-methoxyethanol and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, combined with the incorporation of 5 mg/mL α-Tocopherol and 40 mg/mL α-Lipoic Acid, resulted in membranes with superior performance and functionality compared to those obtained from PSFQ alone. These membranes demonstrate remarkable efficiency, removing approximately 90% of key solutes (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) from simulated biological fluid over a 4-hour dialysis period. This research provides new insights into the role of polysulfone functionalization, polymer blending, and antioxidant immobilization in the design of electrospun membranes, highlighting their potential for use in extracorporeal dialysis devices for advanced renal therapy.

Source: Materials & Design

DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2025.114068