Spongy Matrix Research Articles

Rhizobia exopolysaccharides: promising biopolymers for use in the formulation of plant inoculants.

Inoculants with beneficial microorganisms comprise both selected strains and carriers that ensure a favorable microenvironment for cell survival and stability. Formulations of inoculants using synthetic polymers as carriers are common. However, only a few studies are available in the literature regarding the formulation of inoculants using natural biomolecules as carriers. Exopolysaccharides (EPS) are biomolecules produced by a vast array of microbial species, including symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, commonly known as rhizobia. EPS perform several functions, such as the protection against the deleterious effects of diverse environmental soil stresses. Two Rhizobium tropici strains and one Paraburkholderia strain were selected after semiquantitative analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of their EPS production in liquid YMA medium. Their EPS were characterized through a series of analytical techniques, aiming at their use in the formulation of plant inoculants. In addition, the effect of the carbon source on EPS yield was evaluated. Multi-stage fragmentation analysis showed the presence of xylose, glucose, galactose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid in EPS chemical composition, which was confirmed by FT-IR spectra and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Thermal stability (thermogravimetric) was close to 270°C and viscosity ranged from 120 to 1053.3mPa.s. Surface morphology (SEM) was rough and irregular, with a cross-linked spongy matrix, which, together with the hydrophilic functional groups, confers water holding capacity. The present study showed that the three EPS have potential as microorganism carriers for formulation of microbial inoculants to be applied in plants.

Experimental study of mechanical properties of sisal/jute fibers hybrid sandwich composite

The objective of this research is to examine the mechanical characteristics of a composite material made from Jute fiber (JF) and sisal fiber (SF) for use in orthopedic long bone plates. JF/epoxy forms the exterior layers of the JF/SF hybrid composite, whereas SF/epoxy forms the inside layers. Similarities between the composite plate and the skeleton have been noted (spongy interior cancellous matrix and rigid exterior cortical). Samples of the manufactured hybridized sandwich composites were subjected to experimentation for finding tensile, micro hardness, compressive and flexural testing to determine their mechanical properties. The experimentation is made on the standard test specimen. In addition, the contact angle (CA) and water absorption of the Sisal Fiber/epoxy and Jute Fiber/Sisal Fiber/epoxy composites is determined to get a better idea of their wettability. In addition, the ethanol infiltration technique was used to calculate the porosity of the JF/SF compo sites scaffold specimen. The mechanical tests reveal that the JF/SF hybridized composites have a bending strength of 345 MPa, UTS of 148 MPa, and a compressive strength of 382 MPa; moreover, the bending tests reveal a Young's modulus of (21.56 GPa), which is higher than the tensile modulus (6577 MPa) and compressive modulus (2047 MPa). Research into the scaffolds' wettability revealed that the JF/SF composites were hydrophobic (CA = 92.41), absorbing 3.436% less water than the SF/composites (6.953%). Hydrophilicity (CA = 54.28 ± 1.71) is evident in SF composites. The results of the experiments show that the JF/SF hybrid composite has potential as a bone fracture plate material in orthopedics.

Novel pH-responsive chitosan/sodium alginate/PEG based hydrogels for release of sodium ceftriaxone

pH-sensitive hydrogels have gained attraction in many biomedical fields. In this study, pH-sensitive hydrogels based on polyelectrolyte complex of chitosan/sodium alginate/PEG with 1,4-diaminobutane as a cross-linking agent were blended by solution casting method. FTIR was conducted to study the interactions among the polymer chains and crosslinker. The influence of the cross-linker concentration on the swelling behavior of the hydrogels was studied. SEM images exhibited the spongy hydrogel matrix and the drug entrapped in the hydrogel is also observed in drug loaded sample. TGA was conducted to check the effect of cross-linking density on the thermal stability of the hydrogel matrix. The release profile of sodium ceftriaxone (CTX) as a model drug in the solutions of PBS, SGF and SIF was investigated. In SGF, drug was released more than 10% in 30 min, while in PBS and SIF, the drug was released in a controlled manner. The comparison of UV spectra of pure and released drug confirmed its chemical stability in the developed hydrogels. The release profile according to the pharmacopeia standards designated the prepared hydrogels as a suitable candidate for drug release applications.

Rapid and Scalable Synthesis of a Vanillin-Based Organogelator and Its Durable Composite for a Comprehensive Remediation of Crude-Oil Spillages.

Phase-selective organogelators (PSOGs) that have immense potential in effective oil/water separation, antifouling coating, ice-repellent coating, and so on are often synthesized by following complex and multistep synthesis procedures that involve additional and tedious purification steps. On the other side, a comprehensive, selective, environmentally friendly, and energy-efficient separation of different and complex forms of oil spillages (e.g., floating oil or oil-in-water emulsions) from contaminated aqueous phase is challenging to achieve based on earlier-reported PSOGs and their composites. Here, vanillin, a naturally abundant molecule, is unprecedentedly exploited to synthesize a purified PSOG (with a yield of 97%) by adopting a catalyst-free, single-step, and rapid (<2 min) synthesis process under ambient conditions. The Schiff's base reaction between the aldehyde group of vanillin and the primary amine group of octadecylamine provided the desired and purified PSOG-without demanding any additional purification processes (e.g., column chromatography). The appropriate coexistence of the imine linkage, hydrocarbon tail, and hydroxyl group in the vanillin-derived organogelator (VDOG) played an important role in achieving a self-standing organogel that sustained ∼60 times the external load of its weight-without having any noticeable physical deformation. Further, an appropriate and facile integration of the synthesized VDOG with a commercially available biodegradable porous and spongy matrix (i.e., polyurethane sponge) allowed us to develop an oil-selective absorbent with (1) enhanced water repellency (140°) and (2) superior oil-absorption capacity (i.e., 55.2 times its own weight). Such composite material remained durable for repetitive (at least for 50 cycles) and distillation-free separation/recovery of crude oil at practically relevant severe and diverse settings. Thereafter, the synthesized VDOG was successfully and unprecedentedly extended to demonstrate rapid, facile, and efficient separation of surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions.

Mechanisms involved in the production of differently colored feathers in the structurally colored swallow tanager (Tersina viridis; Aves: Thraupidae).

Non-iridescent, structural coloration in birds originates from the feather's internal nanostructure (the spongy matrix) but melanin pigments and the barb's cortex can affect the resulting color. Here, we explore how this nanostructure is combined with other elements in differently colored plumage patches within a bird. We investigated the association between light reflectance and the morphology of feathers from the back and belly plumage patches of male swallow tanagers (Tersina viridis), which look greenish-blue and white, respectively. Both plumage patches have a reflectance peak around 550 nm but the reflectance spectrum is much less saturated in the belly. The barbs of both types of feathers have similar spongy matrices at their tips, rendering their reflectance spectra alike. However, the color of the belly feather barbs changes from light green at their tips to white closer to the rachis. These barbs lack pigments and their morphology changes considerably throughout. Toward the rachis, the barb is almost hollow, with a reduced area occupied by spongy matrix, and has a flattened shape. By contrast, the blue back feathers' barbs have melanin underneath the spongy matrix resulting in a much more saturated coloration. The color of these barbs is also even along the barbs' length. Our results suggest that the color differences between the white and greenish-blue plumage are mostly due to the differential deposition of melanin and a reduction of the spongy matrix near the rachis of the belly feather barbs and not a result of changes in the characteristics of the spongy matrix.

Morphological and ultrastructural changes in seminal coagulum of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri collinsi Osgood, 1916) before and after liquefaction

Studies with squirrel monkey semen are of special interest due to the large amount of coagulation that is a component of the semen, which is a problem that has to be overcome when the objective is harvesting of gametes. In the present study, there was characterization of the seminal coagulum of captive S. collinsi. Four samples of ejaculates were collected using electroejaculation procedures from four animals. The aim in conducting this study was to evaluate seminal coagulum of S. collinsi using histological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) procedures before and after semen liquefaction in an ACP-118® extender. Seminal coagulum of S. collinsi was composed of a superficial plate (external), which coats the spongy seminal plasma matrix of S. collinsi. Additionally, there were sperm in the external and internal components of the coagulum with these gametes being isolated or grouped and with there being a heterogeneous distribution of gametes. The supplementation of semen with ACP-118® resulted in a partial dissolution of the seminal plate and spongy matrix portions of the seminal coagulum within the first hour of incubation.

Influence of Ho3+ doping on the structural and optical characteristics of ZnO–ZrO2 nanocomposites synthesized by the solution combustion method

The Z n O − Z r O 2 nanocomposites were prepared using varying concentrations of H o 3 + ions through the solution combustion method. Zirconium butoxide and zinc nitrate were used as the precursor solutions with citric acid as a fuel. The synthesis was done at a low temperature of 80°C and then the samples calcined at 600°C for 2 h, before characterization. Rietveld refinement revealed that the nanocomposite consisted of wurtzite zinc oxide, mixed with cubic and tetragonal zirconia phases. Scanning electron microscopy images show dispersed small polygonal crystals within a spongy matrix for lower H o 3 + concentrations, while samples with higher dopant ratios featured larger crystals mixed with rods. The UV spectra had absorption edges from 400 nm with a dopant-dependent energy band gap ranging between 2.78 and 3.04 eV. The nanocomposites exhibited an initial violet emission that varied through blue into the green region, depending on the H o 3 + doping concentration. Dipole–dipole interaction was found to be responsible for the luminescence quenching within the nanocomposite material.

Analysis of flow profiles and mass transfer of monolithic chromatographic columns: the geometric influence of channels and tortuosity

Several modeling techniques have been applied to describe mass transfer and adsorption in a cryogel column for chromatographic separations. Nevertheless, complex boundaries of this spongy matrix where the fluid dynamics, mass transport and reaction equations render such simulations of high computational resource requirements. Thus, this work proposed a fast-solving and robust simulations to analyze the field velocity and the concentration/adsorption profiles in unsteady state varying flow velocity and axial dispersion. Four proposals for monolith geometry with distinct tortuosities were suggested to evaluate the influence of channel architecture on transport phenomena. Breakthrough curves predicted by the Navier Stokes equations for monolithic channels were compared with those predicted by the Darcy equations for the cryogel column. The CFD model can be accepted as the soft sensor with feasible descriptions of more complex models. Experimental and predicted breakthrough curves presented good correlation with R2 values of 0.99 for channels in the triangular format and tortuosity of 1.12, which represented the monolithic architecture properly.

Theoretical approaches to study the optical response of the red-legged honeycreeper's plumage (Cyanerpes cyaneus).

In this paper, we investigate the unusual color effect exhibited by the plumage of the heads of Cyanerpes cyaneus males, whose color turns from green to turquoise as the angle between the illumination and observation directions is increased. This singular color effect is characteristic of species that have quasi-ordered nanostructures of short-range order within the feather barbs. However, among species of the same family and even within feather patches of the same individual, one can find barbs with different characteristics, both macroscopic (curvature, shape, cross-sectional area) and in their internal microstructure. We apply the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker method with the averaging technique to model the reflectance spectra for different angles of incidence and explain the dependence of the observed color with the incidence-collection angle. To investigate the influence of the disorder in the optical response of the spongy matrix, we apply the integral method for a two-dimensional cylinder system that simulates the distribution of air cavities within the $ \beta $β-keratin medium. The experimental reflectance was interpreted as the result of multiple reflections in the internal interfaces generated by large air voids present within the spongy matrix. The application of rigorous methods to the study of natural photonic structures is of fundamental relevance for the design of efficient bioinspired artificial materials.

Saclike-silicon nanoparticles anchored in ZIF-8 derived spongy matrix as high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

The carbon layer with good electrical conductivity and outstanding mechanical stability are essential in designing high-performance silicon/carbon (Si/C) anodes to replace the commercial graphite in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In terms of solving the two inherent defects of poor conductivity and big volume change of silicon, we fabricate a spongy carbon matrix derived from ZIF-8 to anchor saclike silicon synthesized by molten salt magnesiothermic reduction method. This spongy matrix can anchor saclike silicon to provide a stable reaction interface and support fast electronic transmission. At the same time, buffer space in saclike Si nanoparticles and spongy matrix can synergistically accommodate the volume change of Si to maintain the integrity of the electrode. The resulting composite with a high Si content of 77.58% exhibits good capacities of 1448 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 and 848 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1 after 500 cycles. High initial coulombic efficiency of 84% at 0.2 A g−1 is also exhibited in the first three activation cycles. Therefore, this novel multifunctional N-doped spongy matrix can supply multifaceted benefits in accommodation of volumetric variation, enhancement of conductivity, and integrity of structure during cycling.

Experimental Study on Biochemical Markers of Mandibular Bone Tissue Metabolism in Rats following the Implantation of PAW-1 and Geistlich Bio-OSS Collagen

The study is based on the analysis of experimental results and determination of the bone metabolism markers by histochemical and biochemical methods performed on animals. The animals were implanted biovitroceramics PAW-1 in the mandible in the form of spongy matrix composed of fluorhydroxyapatite and microcrystallized wollastonite in a glass matrix, elaborated by the company PONETI (Romania) and Geistlich Bio-Oss-Collagen in the form of block (a mixture of granules, 0.25-1mm in size) and 10% fibers of porcine collagen. Geistlich Bio-Oss Collagen is a natural mineral bone of bovine origin, comparable both chemically and structurally to the mineralized human bone. It has a spongy consistency that allows simple modeling, and collagen facilitates the adaptation of the material on the defect site.The biochemical blood analysis showed an increased activity of bone thermolabile alkaline phosphatase over 30 days, the maximum being reached over 60 days + 20% (p[0.05) from the beginning of the experiment. The activity of tartrate-resistant bone acid phosphatase, on the contrary, decreased veridically by 22% over 60 days after implantation. Over 30 days after the beginning of the experiment under the action of the implanted material, the level of average molecules (AM) increased by 35% (p [0.05), while nucleotide substances (NS) increased by 51% (p [0.05). Within 60 days after implantation, the values of these indices showed a decreasing tendency. The fact mentioned above denotes that their osteoregenerative action increases under the influence of implanted materials.

A Highly Hierarchical Hollow Sodium Sulfide Nanospheres Embedded in Spongy Carbon Composite As Cathode for High-Rate Performance Sodium-Sulfur Batteries

Sodium-sulfur (Na-S) batteries have shown great promise as the next-generation energy storage systems owing to its high specific energy, low cost and high earth abundance of both Na and S. However, the low electronic conductivity and ionic conductivity of the active materials cause slow kinetics of Na-S chemistry and make high-rate performance impossible. Herein, a facile and scalable approach has been employed to synthesize hollow sodium sulfide (Na2S) nanospheres embedded in a highly hierarchical and spongy conductive carbon matrix, forming an intriguing architecture similar to the morphology of frogspawn coral, which has shown great potential as a cathode for high-rate performance Na-S batteries. The shortened Na-ion diffusion pathway benefited from the hollow structures together with the fast electron transfer from the carbon matrix contributes to high electrochemical reactivity, leading to high capacity and superior cycling performance at various current rates. At current densities of 1.4 and 2.1 A/g, high initial discharge capacities of 980 and 790 mAh/g (based on sulfur) can be achieved, respectively, with reversible capacities stabilized at 600 and 400 mAh/g (based on sulfur) after 100 cycles. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate Na-metal free Na-S batteries paired with Sn embedded in carbon as anode, which shows an exciting cycling performance of an initial capacity of 550 mAh/g (based on sulfur) with a capacity retention over 80% for over 50 cycles. Our work could provide guidance on rational materials design towards the success of room-temperature high-rate Na-S batteries.[1] Reference: [1] C. Wang, H. Wang, X. Hu, E. Matios, J. Luo, Y. Zhang, X. Lu, W. Li, Adv. Energy Mater, 2018, 1803251. Figure 1

Facile preparation of a controlled-release tubular scaffold for blood vessel implantation

Salvianic acid-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles into gelatin/polyurethane bilayered small-diameter tubular scaffold were prepared by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and electrospinning. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were selected as carriers to load salvianic acid (SAL). The SAL-loaded MSNs (SAL@MSNs) with an optimized SAL loading efficiency of 10% was initially dispersed in gelatin solution and under a vacuum freeze-drying process as an inner layer of vascular scaffolds. Then, poly(ester-urethane)urea (C-PEEUU) nanofibers were electrospun outside the SAL@MSNs/Gelatin vascular scaffold to strengthen the spongy matrix. The loaded SAL within the MSNs/Gelatin/C-PEEUU bilayered small-diameter tubular scaffold showed a sustained release profile and good mechanical properties. In addition, the drug-loaded composite scaffold showed no unfavorable effects on the adhesion and proliferation of endothelial cells. Moreover, no intimal hyperplasia and acute thrombosis was observed in the short-term implantation in rabbit's carotid artery. We believe the SAL@MSNs/Gelatin/C-PEEUU bilayered vascular scaffolds have promise for vascular tissue engineering applications.

Frogspawn‐Coral‐Like Hollow Sodium Sulfide Nanostructured Cathode for High‐Rate Performance Sodium–Sulfur Batteries

AbstractRoom‐temperature (RT) sodium–sulfur (Na–S) batteries are attractive cost‐effective platforms as the next‐generation energy storage systems by using all earth‐abundant resources as electrode materials. However, the slow kinetics of Na–S chemistry makes it hard to achieve high‐rate performance. Herein, a facile and scalable approach has been developed to synthesize hollow sodium sulfide (Na2S) nanospheres embedded in a highly hierarchical and spongy conductive carbon matrix, forming an intriguing architecture similar to the morphology of frogspawn coral, which has shown great potential as a cathode for high‐rate performance RT Na–S batteries. The shortened Na‐ion diffusion pathway benefits from the hollow structures together with the fast electron transfer from the carbon matrix contributes to high electrochemical reactivity, leading to superior electrochemical performance at various current rates. At high current densities of 1.4 and 2.1 A g−1, high initial discharge capacities of 980 and 790 mAh g−1sulfur can be achieved, respectively, with reversible capacities stabilized at 600 and 400 mAh g−1sulfur after 100 cycles. As a proof of concept, a Na‐metal‐free Na–S battery is demonstrated by pairing the hollow Na2S cathode with tin‐based anode. This work provides guidance on rational materials design towards the success of RT high‐rate Na–S batteries.

The Arthroscopic Bankart-Plus Procedure for Treatment of Anterior Shoulder Instability With Small to Intermediate Glenoid Defects

To date, specific surgical procedures are available for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with substantial bony glenoid defects, as well as for patients without osseous lesions. However, specific treatment options are lacking for the frequently observed small to intermediate glenoid defects, which may not necessitate glenoid reconstruction surgery according to current guidelines but can still jeopardize the outcome after mere soft-tissue stabilization procedures. This article describes the so-called arthroscopic Bankart-Plus procedure for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with small to intermediate bony glenoid defects. In addition to the conventional capsulolabral repair, an allogeneic demineralized spongy bone matrix is inserted between the glenoid neck and the labrum with the aim of compensating for the glenoid bone loss by increasing the volume of the labrum and thus its stabilizing effect.

3D spongy CoS2 nanoparticles/carbon composite as high-performance anode material for lithium/sodium ion batteries

A spongy CoS2/carbon composite assembled from CoS2 nanoparticles (∼20nm) homogeneously anchored on a spongy carbon matrix was synthesized through a facile freeze-drying method and a hydrothermal process. As anode material for lithium/sodium ion batteries (LIBs/SIBs), this composite shows significantly enhanced lithium/sodium storage performance with the synergetic effects due to the electrical conductivity of the carbon matrix and the porous structure, which provide buffer spaces for volume expansion during charge/discharge processes and feasible transfer pathways for electrons/ions. The electrochemical results demonstrate that the spongy CoS2/carbon composite is an outstanding anode material for LIBs and SIBs. It delivers a high specific capacity of 610mAhg−1 at 500mAg−1 after 120 cycles in LIBs and 330mAhg−1 at 500mAg−1 after 60 cycles in SIBs, respectively. Moreover, the freeze-drying/hydrothermal process developed in this work could be useful for the construction of many other high-capacity metal sulfide composites as electrode materials for sodium ion batteries.

High-performance polyvinylidene fluoride/poly(styrene–butadiene–styrene)/functionalized MWCNTs-SCN-Ag nanocomposite membranes

In this work, solution blending technique was used to fabricate nano-filtration membranes of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and poly(styrene–butadiene–styrene) (SBS) blend matrix and modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as filler. In this regard, two types of nanofiller, thiocyanate-modified nanotubes (MWCNTs-SCN) and silver-modified nanotubes (MWCNTs-SCN-Ag), were used as reinforced nanofiller in PVDF/SBS blend to form PVDF/SBS-MWCNTs-SCN 0.01–0.1 and PVDF/SBS-MWCNTs-SCN-Ag 0.01–0.1 membranes. Fourier transform infrared; field emission scanning electron microscopy; transmission electron microscopy; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Brunauer, Emmett and Teller; and tensile tests were used for the exploration of structural and physical properties. Morphology studies showed the dispersion of polymer-coated silver nanoparticles with smooth and homogeneous surface in the spongy matrix. Porous nature of membranes was also observed in high-resolution cross-section micrographs. Tensile strength of PVDF/SBS-MWCNTs-SCN 0.01–1 nanocomposite series increased from 10.2 to 13.9 MPa, while PVDF/SBS-MWCNTs-SCN-Ag 0.01–1 had values in the range of 12.6–20.1 MPa. According to TGA, PVDF/SBS-MWCNTs-SCN revealed maximum decomposition temperature around 550–580 °C, while PVDF/SBS-MWCNTs-SCN-Ag had T max of 567–599 °C. The influence of various filler content on membrane performance and structure was studied using pertinent methods and techniques. Percentage of water content of PVDF/SBS-MWCNTs-SCN 0.01–0.1 was estimated around 1.08–2.80 % and this value was further increased to 1.94–4.65 % in silver nanoparticle-modified system. Moreover, the porosity of silver nanoparticle-modified system was found superior compared with the other composites. Pure water flux, salt rejection, and recovery were also found optimal for 0.05 wt% silver nanoparticle-based modified system. According to the consequences, novel membranes have fine nano-filtration characteristics to be utilized in advance water treatment industrial units.

Poly (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Macroporous Cryogel for Extracorporeal Medical Devices

Poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) PHEMA monolithic cryogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization at -12°C for 18 hours and produced spongy, elastic and macroporous gel matrix. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measured structural properties of PHEMA monolithic cryogel matrix to visualize pore morphology. Mechanical properties of PHEMA monolithic cryogel such as storage modulus, compressive modulus, and creep test were measured with Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The PHEMA monolithic cryogel matrix shows ~ 97% recovery after 70% compression of cryogel and has a compressive modulus of 1.8kPa to 8.5kPa.

Poly (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Macroporous Cryogel for Extracorporeal Medical Devices

Abstract: Poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) PHEMA monolithic cryogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization at -12°C for 18 hours and produced spongy, elastic and macroporous gel matrix. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measured structural properties of PHEMA monolithic cryogel matrix to visualize pore morphology. Mechanical properties of PHEMA monolithic cryogel such as storage modulus, compressive modulus, and creep test were measured with Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The PHEMA monolithic cryogel matrix shows ~ 97% recovery after 70% compression of cryogel and has a compressive modulus of 1.8kPa to 8.5kPa.

Hemodialysis membrane surface chemistry as a barrier to lipopolysaccharide transfer

ABSTRACTDuring hemodialysis bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in contaminated dialysate solution may translocate across the hollow fiber membrane (HFM) to a patient's blood, resulting in fever and possible systemic shock. This study investigates LPS transfer across, and adsorption within, native and modified Fresenius Optiflux® F200NRe polysulfone (PS)/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) HFMs. Modifications include varied PVP content, addition of a PS‐poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer (PS‐PEG), and bleach sterilization. Under clinically relevant flow conditions LPS from &gt;400 EU mL−1 spiked dialysate is not detected (&lt;0.1 EU mL−1) in the lumens of native fibers, but is detected to varying degrees (0.2–15 EU mL−1) in the lumens of the modified fibers. Fluorescently labeled LPS predominantly adsorbs near the lumen of all membranes except the PS‐PEG containing membrane, where LPS localizes on the outer wall. Thus, addition of PS‐PEG may entrap LPS in the HFM spongy matrix, away from the blood‐contacting fiber lumen. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41550.