Heparin-Covalently Grafted Graphene Oxide Hybrid-Modified Polyethersulfone Membranes for Enhanced Toxin Clearance and Hemocompatibility in Hemodialysis

Abstract

Polyethersulfone membranes are widely used in hemodialysis due to their favorable mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. However, their performance is often limited by poor hemocompatibility, including protein adsorption and platelet adhesion, as well as insufficient uremic toxin clearance, which reduces the efficacy and safety of hemodialysis. To address these challenges, a novel composite membrane is developed by blending polyethersulfone with heparin-functionalized graphene oxide. The heparin-functionalized graphene oxide hybrid nanomaterial is synthesized through covalent grafting of heparin onto graphene oxide, followed by a reduction process to improve its stability and biocompatibility.The polyethersulfone/heparin-functionalized graphene oxide modified membranes exhibit significantly enhanced hydrophilicity, as demonstrated by water contact angle measurements, along with an improved pure water flux of 380 liters per square meter per hour, surpassing that of pristine polyethersulfone membranes. Toxin clearance tests show superior removal of urea and creatinine compared to unmodified polyethersulfone membranes. Hemocompatibility evaluations reveal prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time, a hemolysis rate below 5 %, and reduced platelet adhesion, meeting clinical safety standards.These results indicate that the polyethersulfone/heparin-functionalized graphene oxide composite membrane overcomes the limitations of pristine polyethersulfone membranes, showing great potential to improve hemodialysis efficacy and safety.