New mixed matrix membrane for the removal of urea from dialysate solution

Urea removal is one of the biggest challenges in dialysate regeneration Wearable Artificial Kidney (WAK) devices. In this work, a new Mixed Matrix Membrane (MMM) developed for urea WAK applications. The MMM consists polystyrene-based ninhydrin particles within polyethersulfone/polyvinylpyrrolidone polymer blend matrix. prepared via dry-wet spinning technique and characterized terms its morphology electron microscopy clean water permeance. studied both static dynamic conditions. Thanks to good dispersion small size (size < 63 µm), removed under conditions, at 70 °C, 2.1 ± 0.1 mmol per grams 24 h, while by suspension reached 1.7 mmol/g same Importantly, continuous recirculation experiments, performed °C using laboratory scale module, 3.4 0.3 particles, 4 due high particle accessibility membrane. Based on these results it estimated that only 215 g are needed removing daily produced from spent (400 mmol) making suitable application WAK, where miniaturization lightweight required.