Comprehensive Study of Cellulosic and Synthetic Membranes for Dialyzer

Abstract

The kidney is the primary osmoregulatory organ in the mammalian body, removing harmful wastes such as ammonia and excess fluid from the blood and maintaining the ionic concentrations of the blood by retaining electrolytes, calcium, and phosphorus. In kidney failure, the kidneys are unable to filter the blood effectively. Dialysis is a survival treatment for patients with kidney failure. Dialysis involves the exchange of blood and dialysate across a semipermeable membrane. Concentration gradients drive diffusion, and hydrostatic pressure gradients drive convection. There are two different types of dialysis: peritoneal and hemodialysis. During hemodialysis, the blood is filtered by an external device called a dialyzer. Since the 1950s, dialyzers have been used commercially for hemodialysis; their removal capacity of uremic substances, biocompatibility, and combination of glomerular and renal tubular function have all been the subject of ongoing development. Despite the progress, mortality remains high. Investigating how dialysis membranes affect long-term morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis maintenance patients is essential. Dialyzer membranes play a vital role in dialysis treatment. Important characteristics of membrane material include permeability, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility. Cellulosic and synthetic polymeric membranes are the two primary types of dialysis membranes. This article comprehensively analyzes the concept of dialysis and the characteristics of dialyzers and their types. This review focuses critically on the membranes of the dialyzer and their classification. We anticipate that this review will aid researchers in selecting the optimal dialyzer and membrane material to improve hemodialysis treatment outcomes for renal disease patients.