Cross-linked zwitterionic copolymer-modified cellulose acetate hollow fiber membranes to reduce protein adsorption

Abstract Surface modifications are highly desirable for hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) to reduce protein adsorption. In this study, we developed a modification technology for the cross-linked zwitterionic copolymer PMMMSi, composed of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMSi), and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMSi) on cellulose acetate (CA) HFMs for maintaining water permeability by reduction of protein adsorption. The modification film with 20 nm thickness of PMMMSi60, which consists of MPC/MPTSSi/MPTMSi = 60/20/20, on the inner surface of HFMs, could maintain water permeability. The reduction in the water flux before and after γ-globulin incubation on the PMMMSi60-modified membrane was smaller than that of the unmodified CA. Graphical abstract