Low density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis from blood plasma via anti-biofouling tuned membrane incorporated with graphene oxide-modified carrageenan

Graphene oxide (GO) and GO modified with carrageenan (GO-C) were incorporated into a tuned polysulfone/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PSf/PVP) membrane for the simultaneous separation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from blood plasma and the improvement of membrane resistance against biofouling. Several analyses including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) elemental analysis, and mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and also transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the GO and GO-C. Optical and scanning electron micrographs showed a uniform membrane surface with no aggregated particles. The morphology of the membrane cross-section revealed a double-compartment morphology for membranes containing GO (M-GOi) and GO-C (M-GO-Ci). Surface analyses including zeta potential (ZP) and water contact angle (WCA) confirmed a highly negative charge and hydrophilicity of M-GO-Ci membranes. Measurements indicated that with the addition of up to 0.7 wt% GO or GO-C, the molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) was kept between 1.1 and 1.2 million Dalton (mDa). The ratio of MWCO to molecular weight retention onset (MWRO) was determined to assess membrane selectivity; the results showed that M-GO-Ci membranes had lower values, which were more suitable for LDL apheresis. The results of blood plasma filtration tests confirmed the capability of both M-GOi and M-GO-Ci membranes to the simultaneous separate pathogenic factors, but the role of M-GO-Ci membranes toward passing other beneficial blood plasma components and reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks was more tangible than the other membranes. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) results indicated that increasing membrane surface roughness especially for M-GO-Ci membranes, provided suitable conditions for the permeability of beneficial blood plasma components. Biofouling parameters confirmed that M-GO-Ci membranes had higher biofouling resistance than other membranes. Protein adsorption, prothmmbin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) demonstrated the positive role of GO-C in the blood compatibility of membranes. Cell viability results showed no cytotoxicity for the membranes, implying the favorable interaction of cells and membranes especially for M-GO-Ci membranes.

Automated summary

Graphene oxide and carrageenan-modified graphene oxide were incorporated into a polysulfone/polyvinylpyrrolidone membrane for LDL separation and biofouling resistance. Various analyses were conducted to study the membranes, showing improved membrane properties and selectivity for LDL apheresis. The membranes also demonstrated positive blood compatibility and reduced cardiovascular disease risk, with higher biofouling resistance and cell viability.