Hemodialysis Membranes Based on Functionalized High-density Polyethylene

Abstract

Grafting vinyl acetate (VAc) and maleic anhydride (MAn) comonomer onto high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was performed by means of gamma rays. Conditions for the minimum homopolymer formation, maximum grafting yield and alternate copolymer grafts were carried out. Further chemical treatment with sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, ammonium hydroxide, sulfamic acid and amino pyridine were made on the grafted membranes to increase functionality. The swelling, mechanical, solute permeability and biocompatibility properties of these copolymers were evaluated for possible application as dialysis membranes. The introduction of functional groups on HDPE membranes enhanced their hydration and transport flux. The treated grafting membranes showed improved permeability towards urea, creatinine and uric acid over the ungrafted HDPE. The permeability rate of the solutes through the membranes depended on the molecular weight and the size of the solutes. The presence of hydrophilic groups on the membranes reduced protein adsorption and enhanced membrane transport. The swelling, solute dialysis permeability and protein low affinity properties of HDPE-g-(VAc-alt-MAn) treated with sulfamic acid or 2-aminopyridine indicate potential use as hemodialysis membranes.