Polysulfone-Urethane Copolymer Membranes Preventing Additive Leaching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Membranes used in medical applications, such as hemodialysis, face issues with pore-forming additives like PVP and PEG leaching out, leading to membrane fouling and poor blood compatibility, necessitating improved materials with reduced leaching risk and enhanced blood compatibility.
Innovation Solution
Development of polysulfone-urethane copolymers with specific structures and synthesis methods to form membranes that reduce leaching and improve blood compatibility, replacing traditional pore-forming additives, and incorporating these copolymers into membrane fabrication processes for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pore forming additives (PVP, PEG) are added to membrane-forming polymers, then porous structure formation and hydrophilicity are enhanced, but leaching occurs leading to membrane fouling and poor blood compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pore-forming function and hydrophilicity enhancement into a single integrated copolymer structure. The polysulfone-urethane copolymer incorporates hydrophilic urethane segments that remain permanently embedded in the membrane matrix, eliminating the need for separate pore-forming additives while providing both porosity and blood compatibility without leaching issues
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite polymer structure by synthesizing a copolymer that integrates hydrophobic polysulfone segments (providing mechanical strength and pore formation) with hydrophilic urethane segments (providing blood compatibility and preventing fouling). This composite material approach embeds the beneficial properties directly into the polymer chain, preventing leaching while maintaining all desired functions
2Quantity of substance
If traditional pore forming additives are used, then membrane porosity and hydrophilicity are improved, but membrane fouling increases due to additive leaching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pore-forming capability with anti-fouling properties by integrating hydrophilic urethane segments directly into the polysulfone polymer chain. This unified structure provides both porosity and resistance to fouling simultaneously, eliminating the trade-off between porosity and fouling that occurs with traditional additive-based approaches
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the membrane material by incorporating urethane segments with specific hydrophilic characteristics. This compositional modification fundamentally alters the membrane's interaction with blood components, preventing fouling while maintaining porosity, unlike traditional additives that can leach and cause fouling
Data Source
AI summary
A polysulfone-urethane copolymer is disclosed, which can be used as a membrane polymer, e.g., a matrix polymer, a pore forming agent, or both, while enhancing a membrane's blood compatibility. Methods are disclosed for forming the copolymer and incorporating the copolymer in membranes (e.g., spun hollow fibers, flat membranes) and other products.