Polyethylene glycol acrylate-grafted polysulphone membrane for artificial lungs: plasma modification and haemocompatibility improvement.

In this study, polyethylene glycol acrylate (PEGA) was introduced onto the surface of polysulphone (PSF) membrane to prepare PSF-PEGA membranes through low-temperature plasma technology for haemocompatibility improvement of artificial lungs. The effects of plasma power, PEGA solution concentration and dipcoating temperature on surface modification were systematically investigated. Results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and PEGA grafting degree confirmed that PEGA was successfully grafted onto the PSF membranes. Contact angle values showed that the hydrophilicity of the PSF-PEGA membrane surface increased by 21.5%. The results of the protein adsorption, platelet adhesion and coagulation tests further showed the excellent haemocompatibility of the modified membrane. Gas exchange tests also revealed that at a porcine blood flow rate of 5 l min(-1), O2 and CO2 exchange rates through the PSF-PEGA membrane were 198.6 and 170.9 ml min(-1), respectively; approximately this is the gas exchange capacity of commercial respiratory assistance devices.