High flux mixed matrix membrane with low albumin leakage for blood plasma detoxification

Abstract Current hemodialysis (HD) therapy removes well small sized toxins but removes less effectively middle molecules and protein-bound uremic toxins (PBUTs). This limited removal has been associated to high mortality of patients due to increased cardiovascular events. The hemodiafiltration therapy, which combines diffusive and convective transport using high flux membranes, can achieve higher removal of middle molecules. However, still the removal of PBUT is limited. Our earlier studies showed that combination of filtration and adsorption on one hollow fiber membrane, so called mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) can achieve removal of range of toxins, including PBUTs, however, these MMMs either had low flux and therefore were not suitable for convective therapies or had high flux but also albumin leakage which is undesired for the HD therapies. In this work, we present for the first time a new generation of MMM which combines high water flux with high albumin retention and very low total protein adsorption and protein leakage. The membrane fabrication conditions are optimized for achieving fibers with small diameter and optimal distribution of the sorbent particles leading to superior removal of PBUT from human plasma, in comparison to the previous MMMs, as well as, to series of commercial membranes used currently in the clinic.