Biocompatibility of modified polyethersulfone membranes by blending an amphiphilic triblock co-polymer of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)–b-poly(methyl methacrylate)–b-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)

An amphiphilic triblock co-polymer of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)–b-poly(methyl methacrylate)–b-poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP-b-PMMA-b-PVP) was synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The block co-polymer can be directly blended with polyethersulfone (PES) using dimethylacetamide (DMAC) as the solvent to prepare flat sheet and hollow fiber membranes using a liquid–liquid phase separation technique. The PVP block formed a brush on the surface of the blended membrane, while the PMMA block mingled with the PES macromolecules, which endowed the membrane with permanent hydrophilicity. After adding the as-prepared block co-polymer the modified membranes showed lower protein (bovine serum albumin) adsorption, suppressed platelet adhesion, and a prolonged blood coagulation time, and thereby the blood compatibility was improved. Furthermore, the modified PES membranes showed good cytocompatibility, ultrafiltration and protein anti-fouling properties. These results suggest that surface modification of PES membranes by blending with the amphiphilic triblock co-polymer PVP-b-PMMA-b-PVP allows practical application of these membranes with good biocompatibility in the field of blood purification, such as hemodialysis and bioartificial liver support.