One-pot synthesis of highly hemocompatible polyurethane/polyethersulfone composite membranes

In this study, polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were modified by in situ cross-linking polymerization of polyurethane with functional groups of -COOH and -SO3H using PEG as the chain extender in one pot, followed with a phase inversion technique. The composite membranes were characterized by FTIR, water contact angle, and scanning electron microscope. Comparing with pristine PES membrane, the modified membranes showed decreased water contact angles and changed cross-sectional morphology. The modified membranes also showed decreased protein adsorption and suppressed platelet adhesion, as well as improved antifouling property. In addition, the composite membranes had prolonged activated partial thromboplastin times due to the functional groups and improved hydrophilicity. The results of contact activation and complement activation also indicated that the modified membranes had good blood compatibility. Furthermore, the cytocompatibility was significantly improved. The highly hemocompatible PES composite membranes fabricated by the in situ cross-linking polymerization of polyurethane may have great potential to be used in the field of blood purification.