High efficient protocol for the modification of polyethersulfone membranes with anticoagulant and antifouling properties via in situ cross-linked copolymerization

In this paper, we provide a highly efficient, convenient and universal protocol for blood-compatible modification of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes via in situ cross-linked copolymerization of 2-hydroxyethl methacrylate (HEMA) and acrylic acid (AA) in PES solutions. Static water contact angle, protein adsorption, platelet adhesion, and clotting time of the modified PES membranes are systematically studied, and the results indicate that the modified membranes show improved hydrophilicity, good blood anticoagulant and antifouling properties after introducing HEMA and AA. Meanwhile, the modified membranes perform low contact activation and complement activation when they come in contact with blood. The effect of the HEMA/AA ratios on the blood compatibility is also investigated to identify the different roles played by HEMA and AA in the modification; the HEMA could more effectively enhance the membrane antifouling property, while the AA could more effectively improve the anticoagulant property. The results indicated that the blood-compatible PES membranes prepared via the in situ cross-linked copolymerization had potential to be used in the field of blood purification.