Abstract
This report describes the compositional and structural design strategy of a zeolite-polymer composite nanofiber mesh for the efficient removal of uremic toxins towards blood purification application. The nanofiber is fabricated by electrospinning composite solution of biocompatible poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) and zeolite particles which are capable of selectively adsorbing uremic toxins such as creatinine. By controlling electrospinning conditions carefully, the incorporated zeolites in EVOH were found to correspond closely to the feed ratios. Elemental mapping images of Si show that zeolites were uniformly blended within the fibers. The fabricated composite fibers successfully adsorbed creatinine from solution and the adsorption capacity reached a maximum at 12 h. The crystallinity of the nanofiber was also controlled by varying the composition of ethylene content in EVOH. Less crystallinity resulted in higher creatinine adsorption capacity due to the barrier property of EVOH. Cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the composite fibers showed less toxicity than free zeolite particles which killed more than 95% of cells. The proposed composite fibers, therefore, have the potential to be utilized as a new approach to removing creatinine selectively from the bloodstream.
Highlights
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem
This study demonstrated the rational strategy of fabrication of zeolite/EVOH nanofiber meshes for the efficient removal of creatinine
Combined with Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/energy dispersive Xray spectroscopy (EDX) and TG-DTA analysis, we found that over 90% of fed zeolites were successfully incorporated into nanofibers
Summary
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide public health problem. About 10% of the population worldwide is affected by CKD [1, 2], and millions die each year because they do not have access to affordable treatment [3]. There has been a great need to develop simpler and more accessible methods for the treatment of kidney failure worldwide From these perspectives, we have been developing a nanofiber mesh for the removal of uremic toxins from the blood, which can be incorporated into wearable blood purification systems for kidney failure patients [8]. After testing the mesh on its ability to absorb creatinine, we found that a specific ratio of silicon and aluminum within the zeolites was required Since this approach is based on the principle of “selective adsorption” instead of “diffusion” through a semipermeable membrane, the proposed composite fibers have the potential to be utilized as a new approach to removing nitrogenous waste products from the bloodstream without the requirement of specialized equipment. We have tested cytotoxicity of the zeolitepolymer nanofiber mesh using macrophages
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
