The effect of different molecular weight PEG additives on cellulose acetate asymmetric dialysis membrane performance

The influence of the different molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the amount of PEG used in the dialysis membrane dope formulations was investigated. The three different types of PEG used are PEG 200, 400 and 600. The dialysis membrane performances were evaluated in terms of urea clearance using single layer dialysis apparatus at 37 °C with flow rate of 50 mL/min at the testing solution side whilst 100 mL/min at the other side. It was found that the presence of PEG 200 in the dialysis membrane enhanced the membrane performance exhibited by the high urea clearance and high urea permeability. In addition, the amount of PEG also affects dialysis membrane performance. High amounts of PEG greater than 10% do not improve the membranes performances. Human blood test revealed that dialysis membrane fabricated was biocompatible in terms of high removal rate of uremic toxic from human blood while preventing human protein to diffuse out from the blood side.