Effects of Zeta Potential on the Permeability of Dialysis Membranes to Inorganic Phosphate

: Some patients on hemodialysis have elevated plasma phosphate values. The chemical and physical properties of dialysis membranes may cause reduced inorganic phosphate clearance, leading to hyperphosphatemia. The zeta potential was determined by a streaming potential method using an electrolytic, aqueous solution to elucidate discrepancies in phosphate ion transport through cellulosic and polymethylmethacrylate membranes. The authors also carried out dialysis experiments at 310K to obtain solute permeability for H32PO4(2-), overall mass transfer coefficient for HPO4(2-), and pure water permeability. This study demonstrates that permeability to inorganic phosphate ion does not vary with zeta potential for cellulosic membranes, but polymethylmethacrylate membranes with highly negative zeta potentials may suppress phosphate removal from patients on hemodialysis.