Dialysis nanocomposite membranes based on carbon nanoforms inhibiting blood plasma protein adsorption.

This article focuses on the modification of polysulfone (PSU) membranes with carbon nanomaterials—multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene oxide (GO), and graphite (GR)—to influence surface charge and protein adsorption relevant to renal replacement therapy (RRT). The study found that incorporating these nanocarbon additives altered membrane morphology, increased hydrophobicity and surface free energy, and enhanced the negative surface charge, which affected the adsorption and desorption dynamics of model proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) and chicken serum albumin (CSA). Notably, nanocomposite membranes demonstrated reduced blood clotting (thrombogenicity) compared to pure PSU membranes, with CNT-modified membranes showing the most significant improvement. These findings suggest that carbon-modified nanocomposite membranes may offer advantages in controlling protein fouling and improving biocompatibility during dialysis.