Synthesis of ceramic membrane using inexpensive precursors and evaluation of its biocompatibility for hemofiltration application

Abstract

In this study, low cost ceramic membranes were fabricated using inexpensive precursors via compaction method for hemofiltration. The fundamental properties of the membranes such as pore size, porosity, water permeability, pH and chlorine tolerance were evaluated along with X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and scanning electron microscopic analysis. The effect of sintering temperature on properties of the membranes was studied in the range of 900–1100 °C. The sintering temperature has a large effect on membrane properties. For varying sintering temperatures, the porosity, pore size and water permeability varied between 41 and 36 %, 0.52 – 1.78 µm and 2.88 × 10-3 – 2.87 × 10-2 L·m−2·h−1·Pa−1, respectively. The membranes exhibited a significant pH and chlorine tolerance. The membrane sintered at 900 °C was chosen as a best membrane and characterized for contact angle, antifouling property and biocompatibility. In addition, permeation of uremic toxins and protein rejection tests were performed. Along with good antifouling property, the membrane showed excellent biocompatibility (protein adsorption = 3.2 µg.cm−2, whole blood clotting time = 169 s, platelet adhesion = 7500 cells.mm−2, complement activation = 158 mg·dL-1 for C3 and 34.94 mg·dL-1 for C4 and hemolysis = 1.03%). The sieving coefficient for urea, creatinine and phosphate was evaluated to be 0.62, 0.98 and 0.67, respectively. The protein rejection was found to be 46% at 69 kPa. Hence, the membrane prepared with superior biocompatibility is suggested for hemofiltration application.