Evaluation of transport properties of biomembranes by means of Peusner network thermodynamics

Abstract

Purpose: The R version of the Kedem–Katchalsky–Peusner (KKP) network equations is one of the basic research tools for membrane transport. For binary solutions of non-electrolytes containing a solvent and one solute, these equations include the Peusner resistance coefficients. The aim of the study was to assess the transport properties of biomembranes on the basis of the concentration characteristics of the coefficients: resistance, coupling, energy conversion efficiency and degraded and free energy fluxes. Methods: The subject of the study were polymer biomembranes used as a membrane dressing (Bioprocess) and used in hemodialysis (Nephrophan, Ultra-flo) with the coefficients of hydraulic permeability (Lp), reflection (σ) and diffusion permeability (ω) for aqueous glucose solutions. The research method was the R version of the KKP network equations for binary solutions of non-electrolytes. Results: We developed a procedure for evaluation the transport properties of membranes. This procedure requires the calculation of the dependence of the following coefficients: Peusner resistance, Kedem–Caplan–Peusner coupling, Caplan–Peusner energy conversion efficiency, Peusner coupling, and the dissipated energy and free energy fluxes on the mean glucose concentration. Results show that the values of the Peusner resistance coefficients, the Kedem–Caplan–Peusner coupling, the Caplan–Peusner energy conversion efficiency, and the Peusner coupling depend on the mutual relationship between the coefficients Lp, σ, ω and C. In turn, the value of the dissipated energy and free energy fluxes it is also determined by the values of the volume and diffusion fluxes. Conclusions: The presented procedure for evaluation transport properties of membranes can be helpful in explaining the mechanisms of membrane transport and conducting energy analyzes of membrane processes. Therefore, this procedure can be used for selection of a suitable membrane for practical (eg., industrial or medical) applications.