Flexible inner surface of polysulfone membranes prevents platelet adhesive protein adsorption and improves antithrombogenicity in vitro.

Background: We investigated whether the condition of the inner surface of hollow fibers affects the blood compatibility of hemodialyzers.

Methods: We used scanning probe microscope/atomic force microscopy (SPM/AFM) to investigate the height of the swelling and flexible layers (thickness and softness) on the inner surfaces of the hollow fibers. Next, we tested the blood compatibility between dialyzers comprising a hollow fiber membrane, in which the other dialyzers, except for PVP, were additionally coated using PS membranes coated with other materials.