Functionalized Hemodialysis Polysulfone Membranes with Improved Hemocompatibility

Abstract

The field of membrane materials is one of the most dynamic due to the continuously changing requirements regarding the selectivity and the upgradation of the materials developed with the constantly changing needs. Two membrane processes are essential at present, not for development, but for everyday life—desalination and hemodialysis. Hemodialysis has preserved life and increased life expectancy over the past 60–70 years for tens of millions of people with chronic kidney dysfunction. In addition to the challenges related to the efficiency and separative properties of the membranes, the biggest challenge remained and still remains the assurance of hemocompatibility—not affecting the blood during its recirculation outside the body for 4 h once every two days. This review presents the latest research carried out in the field of functionalization of polysulfone membranes (the most used polymer in the preparation of membranes for hemodialysis) with the purpose of increasing the hemocompatibility and efficiency of the separation process itself with a decreasing impact on the body.

Keywords

• hemodialysis
• covalent functionalization
• composite membranes
• polysulfone