Portable artificial kidneys that integrate both adsorption and dialysis functions have garnered significant attention due to their potential efficacy in removing a wide range of uremic toxins. Nevertheless, the challenge persists in the straightforward modification of ultrafiltration membrane surfaces to develop such multifunctional blood purification membranes. This study employs a one-step immersion technique, lanthanum carbonate-loaded protein/polysaccharide aggregates are attached to commercial ultrafiltration membranes via self-assembly, successfully producing dialysis membranes with a hierarchical surface structure. Owing to the surface reorganization capabilities of proteins/polysaccharides, along with the multiple active sites created upon loading with lanthanum carbonate, the membrane exhibits a high adsorption capacity and enhanced removal efficiency for phosphorus and protein-bound uremic toxins. The clearance ratio for uremic toxins is about 20%-50% higher than that of commercial polyvinylidene fluoride high-flux dialysis membrane. The observed high clearance efficiency is primarily ascribed to the precise separation of nanoscale pores and the adsorption process occurring on the membrane surface, effectively replicating the ultra-clearance effect of various uremic toxins encountered in hemoperfusion. Furthermore, the composite membrane exhibits exceptional biocompatibility and resistance to protein adsorption. This study offers an innovative and scalable methodology for the development of next-generation portable artificial kidneys, presenting extensive potential for future applications.
Hao et al. (Mon,) studied this question.