Introduction:
This study investigates how surface charge, wettability, and roughness influence fibrinogen deposition and platelet factor PF4 (PF4) release in hemodialysis membranes, with implications for membrane performance and fouling in hemodialysis applications.
Methods:
Three types of membranes with distinct surface properties were analyzed for fibrinogen adsorption and PF4 release in ex vivo uremic blood. Uremic blood samples were collected from hemodialysis patients at Saint Paul Hospital (Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada), adhering to ethical protocols. The study included two groups: uremic patients (n = 3). Platelet factor levels were quantified using the Human CXCL4/PF4 Quantikine ELISA Kit. The membranes tested were polyethersulfone (PES) membrane, a superhydrophobic PES membrane, and PES impregnated with uremic metabolites. Key surface properties such as contact angle, surface charge, and roughness were measured. Comparative analysis of fibrinogen adsorption and PF4 release across these membranes was conducted.
Results:
The superhydrophobic membrane, with a contact angle of 98° and a surface charge of -28.9 mV, exhibited the lowest fibrinogen deposition and PF4 release (363.2 ng/ml) compared to unmodified PES (PF4: 414.6 ng/ml, Contact Angle: 42°, Surface Charge: -66 mV) and PES impregnated with uremic metabolites (PF4: 347.62 ng/ml, Contact Angle: 45°, Surface Charge: -8.14 mV). Despite its higher roughness (71.6 nm), the superhydrophobic membrane outperformed the other membranes. PES impregnated with uremic metabolites, though having significantly higher roughness (518.8 nm), showed lower PF4 release than unmodified PES. These findings suggest that surface charge and contact angle are significant factors affecting protein and PF4 release, with surface roughness also playing a role.
Conclusions:
This study highlights that lower surface charge and higher contact angle, as observed in the superhydrophobic membrane, correlate with reduced fibrinogen adsorption and PF4 release, thereby enhancing membrane performance. The interplay between surface charge, wettability, and roughness is essential for optimizing hemodialysis membranes. Designing membranes with balanced surface characteristics can minimize protein fouling and improve hemodialysis efficiency.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.