Membranes for dialysis and hemofiltration

Abstract

Materials for dialyzers and hemofilters are either based on cellulose or modified cellulosic membranes or made from synthetic polymers such as polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyamide, polyacrylonitrile, or polymethylmethacrylate. Membranes can be classified according to permeability (water flux and permeability for larger molecules) and biocompatibility characteristics. The latter may include properties such as: Complement system activation Cell activation Reactive oxygen species production Cell aggregate formation Premature cellular senescence Coagulation system activation Increased apoptosis Contact phase system activation Requirements for modern dialysis membrane include: High diffusive clearance High permeability for uremic middle molecules Adequate hydraulic permeability Pyrogen retention capability High biocompatibility © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.