Phosphorylcholine-terminated dendritic polyethersulfone membrane with efficient hemocompatibility and antifouling properties for potential hemodialysis application

Hemodialysis is a prevalent treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, the primary concern in hemodialysis pertains to the hemocompatibility of the dialysis membrane. Due to the direct interaction between the membrane and blood, the surface properties of the membrane play a pivotal role in determining its hemocompatibility and resistance to fouling. Consequently, enhancing the hemocompatibility of dialysis membranes and mitigating thrombosis represent major research thrusts. In this study, we have demonstrated a facile modification strategy for the in situ preparation of phosphorylcholine-terminated dendrimer membrane (PES-G3-PC) by an iterative growth method. The resultant membranes exhibited good hydrophilicity and low surface zeta potential while achieving more than 80 % urea clearance and albumin retention. Notably, the modified membrane effectively inhibited platelet adhesion/activation, fibrinogen adsorption/denaturation, complement activation, and prolonged clotting time. Furthermore, minimal protein and bacterial adsorption underscore its anti-fouling prowess. These experimental results indicate that the phospholipid-terminated dendrimer-modified polyethersulfone membrane possesses excellent hemocompatibility. Therefore, phospholipid-terminated dendrimers represent a superior approach for surface modification with potential applications in blood-contacting devices.