Suitable membranes for blood‐contacting medical applications need to be resistant in confrontation with blood proteins and cells, while possessing high blood compatibility and permeability at the same time. Herein, an overview of the recent advances and strategies that have been used to enhance the hemocompatibility of polymeric membranes is provided. The review focuses on two modification strategies: (i) physical modifications and (ii) chemical modifications. It also highlights the current progress in the design of hemocompatible‐functionalized membranes for biomedical applications. Subsequently, the commonly applied biocompatibility tests are also discussed and finally the future perspectives of the application of polymeric membranes in the biomedical field are presented.

Photoadhesives have been beneficial for a plethora of applications due to advantages in spatiotemporal control, flexible operating temperature, and in situ applicability. As a sustainable approach, bio-based precursors have been applied for the production of photoadhesives. However, the use of toxic chemicals and incorporation of petroleum-based chemicals in the synthesis process is inevitable. In this study, a photocurable itaconic acid-based polyester, poly(1,3-propanediol-co-citrate-co-itaconate-co-1,12-dodecanedioate) (IAP), was developed from bio-based precursors through a facile, catalyst-free, and solvent-free polycondensation process without use of toxic chemicals. Ultraviolet (UV)-triggered photocross-linking in the presence of a photoinitiator was found to induce adhesion capability in IAP. With 30 min of UV exposure, IAP presented an adhesion strength of 1286.0 ± 19.2 kPa against acrylic substrates. Remarkable adhesion strengths to stainless steel, wood, glass, and polytetrafluoroethylene substrates were also achieved. Due to photo-induced reduction in hydrophilicity of IAP, the polymer was able to repel water at the adhesive−substrate interface upon in situ underwater photocuring, leading to successful wet adhesion. Subsequently, excellent photo-adhesion was also obtained from in situ photocuring of IAP in seawater, simulated body fluid, and silicon oil. This study provides insights into the development of a photo-enhanced and versatile adhesive through green engineering.

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Asymmetric, porous ultrafiltration polysulfone (PSf) hollow fiber membranes were fabricated via the dry-wet phase inversion spinning technique specifically for haemodialysis membrane. The objective was to discover the suitable spinning condition for the fabrication of ultrafiltration hollow fiber membrane with desired sponge-like structure. During haemodialysis procedure, uremic toxins such as urea and creatinine range from size 10,000-55,000 Da needs to be excreted out from the blood. While, proteins such as albumin (66,000 Da) need to be retained. The physical structure or morphology of a fabricated membrane is a major concern in determining the efficiency of a dialysis membrane. Different type of membrane morphology will give a different result in term of its permeability and clearance efficiency. The phase inversion spinning technique is suitable in producing ultrafiltation (UF) membrane where the average pore size of the fabricated membrane is in the range of 0.001 – 0.1 µm. However, there is many factors need to be controlled and manipulated in the phase inversion technique. In this study, the effect of the PVP on membrane pore size and performances were analysed. The contact angle measurement was measured to determine the hydrophilicity of the fibers. The hydrophilic polymer is favorable to avoid fouling and increase its biocompatibility. Furthermore, the diameter of the hollow fibers was determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The effects of different morphology of the hollow fibers on the performance of the membranes were evaluated by pure water flux and BSA rejection. Both techniques were tested using permeation flux system. Based on the results obtained, it is found that the finger-like macrovoids in PSf hollow fiber membranes were suppressed by adding 8% PVP (Mw of 360 kDa) into the spinning dope solution as the result of a drastic increase in dope viscosity. On top of that, fiber spun with 8% PVP show more porous structure which contribute to higher permeability of the membrane. The result of this study can benefit to the membrane field of research especially in membrane technology for haemodialysis application.