Masayo Hayama

Nanoscopic behavior of polyvinylpyrrolidone particles on polysulfone/polyvinylpyrrolidone film.

We revealed morphology and physicochemical behavior of a widely used powerful hydrophilizing agent, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), present on polysulfone (PS)/PVP films by atomic force microscopy (AFM). This is the first time such clear PS/PVP phase-separated morphology was observed by nanoscopic technique. The film surfaces were observed by the identical observation mode, probe and scanning conditions to reveal the change of PVP morphology and behavior between dry and wet conditions. Morphology was related to biocompatibility by combining AFM data with results of surface element composition, contact angle, adhesion amount of rabbit platelet and relative amount of adsorbed fibrinogen. PVP nano-particles of one or several molecules were formed on the dry PS/PVP film surfaces. Amount of PVP present on the surfaces increased with the molecular weight of PVP. At a mixed amount of 1-5 wt%, PVP K90 formed crowded particles on the dry surface. When wet, they swelled, followed by their union to produce a smooth surface leading to improved biocompatibility. The highest biocompatibility with excellent mechanical strength is achieved by blending the highest molecular weight PVP K90 at 1-5 wt%.

AFM observation of small surface pores of hollow-fiber dialysis membrane using highly sharpened probe

Abstract Determining pore size distribution is important for characterization of a dialysis membrane. However, conventional microscopic techniques cannot present a sufficient image for determining pore size distribution. In the present study, tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TMAFM) has been shown to be a powerful tool for observing and evaluating the small surface pores of a hollow-fiber dialysis membrane. Sample fixing technique described below and a highly sharpened probe have made it possible to observe small pores on a soft and undulant surface of a dialysis membrane. This is the first time that clear TMAFM images of surface pores of a hollow-fiber dialysis membrane at such high resolution have been presented. Pore diameter was determined by image analysis. Average pore diameter of APS-150 (Asahi-kasei, Japan) determined by TMAFM was compared with those by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and by the Hagen–Poiseuille equation. The average pore diameter of APS-150 determined by TMAFM was slightly higher than that by FESEM. The average pore diameter determined by the Hagen–Poiseuille equation was intermediate between values for that of inside and outside surfaces determined by TMAFM.

Optimum dialysis membrane for endotoxin blocking

Abstract We have reported a novel method of visualizing endotoxin (Et) distribution inside an Et-blocking filtration membrane using both fluorescence-labeled Et and a confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscope (CLSFM) in our previous paper [J. Membr. Sci. 210 (2002) 45]. The objective of the present study is to clarify Et-blocking mechanism of dialysis membranes. Six kinds of dialysis membranes with varying materials (hydrophilic and hydrophobic) and varying structures (pore diameter, skin layer location and thickness, and water content) were evaluated by CLSFM together with other techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM). Physicochemical property of a membrane material affects Et-adsorbing efficiency, and further membrane structure affects Et-plugging efficiency. Rejected Et distribution in the membranes with varying materials and structures is successfully visualized using fluorescence-labeled Et by CLSFM. Et adsorption on the membranes occurs first, followed by the narrowing of their pores, and afterward pore plugging is continued. Adsorption plays a vital role in Et-blocking. Double skin layer structure is valid for preventing of Et contamination than only inner skin layer structure because the double skin layer structure blocks Et more farther from blood-side surfaces than the only inner skin layer structure.

Visualization of distribution of endotoxin trapped in an endotoxin-blocking filtration membrane

Abstract Since the finding of β 2 -microglobulin as a causal substance in the carpal tunnel syndrome of chronic hemodialysis patients, removal of β 2 -microglobulin has been performed using highly permeable dialysis membranes with larger pores. Such large-pore membranes tend to allow endotoxins (Et), harmful substances contained in dialysate, to enter blood. At present, as a countermeasure, Et-blocking filtration membranes are used to remove Et from dialysate. However, Et removal mechanism by these membranes has not been clarified yet. The objective of this study is thus to visualize distribution of fluorescence-labeled Et trapped inside the polyester–polymer alloy (PEPA) membrane, a widely used Et-blocking filtration membrane using a confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscope (CLSFM). Et were observed mainly in the outer skin layer of the hollow fiber, while some in the void and inner skin layers. No Et were present inside the hollow fiber. In conclusion, we succeeded in visualization of Et distribution inside the Et-blocking filtration membrane using CLSFM. This novel visualization technique may allow evaluation of distribution of Et trapped inside various kinds of Et-blocking filtration membranes.