Improved Membranes for Hemodialysis

Asymmetric membranes of cellulose acetate and cellulose acetate modified with pendant amino groups have been evaluated for ultrafiltration and dialysis properties. Ultrafiltration rates from 4 to 30 times that of Cuprophan were obtained. During the ultrafiltration test, up to 89% of inulin in the test solution permeated with the ultrafitrate in contrast to the 14% permeation of inulin through a Cuprophan membrane. In spite of the apparently facile permeation of high molecular weight species (e.g., inulin) through the experimental membranes, human albumin was quantitatively reflected. Dialysis tests indicate that cellulose acetate membranes 38 μ or less in thickness should surpass 23-μ-thick (wet) Cuprophan in purely diffusional transport of blood solutes of low molecular weight.

In addition to their promising ultrafiltration and dialysis properties, membranes made from a blend of cellulose acetate and N,N-diethylaminoethylcellulose acetate were found to sorb heparin strongly. The clotting time of rabbit blood in contact with the heparinized membranes was extended, in some cases indefinitely.