Biodegradation Process of PSF-PUR Blend Hollow Fiber Membranes Using Escherichia coli Bacteria—Evaluation of Changes in Properties and Porosity

Abstract

This work was focused on biodegradation with Escherichia coli bacteria studies of PSF-PUR blend semipermeable hollow fiber membranes that possibly can undergo a partial degradation process. Hollow fiber membranes were obtained from polysulfone (PSF) and polyurethane (PUR) containing ester bonds in the polymer chain in various weight ratios using two solvents: N,N-Dimethylmethanamide (DMF) or N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP). The membranes that underwent the biodegradation process were tested for changes in the ultrafiltration coefficient (UFC), retention and cut-off point. Moreover, the membranes were subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), MeMoExplorerTM Software and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The influence of E. coli and its metabolites has been proven by the increase in UFC after biodegradation and changes in the selectivity and porosity of individual membranes after the biodegradation process.

Current advances in polyurethane biodegradation

“…studied the biodegradation of polysulfone–PU membranes by Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. The ultrafiltration coefficient level was increased in E. coli metabolites, with changes observed in the selectivity and porosity of PU membranes 46 …”

“…The ultrafiltration coefficient level was increased in E. coli metabolites, with changes observed in the selectivity and porosity of PU membranes. 46 PS-PU biodegradation has also been achieved by microbial communities and other species. In 2019, Loza-Tavera and co-workers selected three microbial communities from deteriorated foam pieces collected in a landfill to test the degradation of polyacrylic and PS-PU involved in coating materials.…”

Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering from a Blend of Polyethersulfone and Polyurethane Polymers

“…Those which are biodegradable break down into components that are non-toxic for the host and metabolized in the body. In addition, their mechanical properties and degradation time can be controlled by combining two or more polymers (as copolymers or blends) [ 29 , 32 , 44 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 66 ]. It is worth noting that some synthetic materials do not have adequate biological properties, and sometimes degradation products, such as acids, can cause side effects on the host organism, for example, induce an inflammatory response [ 32 , 67 , 68 ].…”

Preparation and performance study of a reactive polyurethane hot-melt adhesive/CS–Fe3O4 magnetic nanocomposite film/fabric

“…22,23 At present, PUR is being widely used in many elds, such as railway transportation, 24 automobiles, 25 book binding, 26 wood processing, 27 and fabric lamination, 28 because of its advantages of high bonding strength, a wide range of performance tuning, easy construction, a high solid content, and environmental protection. 29,30 Appropriate surface modication of nanoparticles can improve their interfacial interaction and compatibility with the polymer matrix. Thus, there have been several studies on the preparation of PUR/Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanocomposites.…”

“…22,23 At present, PUR is being widely used in many fields, such as railway transportation, 24 automobiles, 25 book binding, 26 wood processing, 27 and fabric lamination, 28 because of its advantages of high bonding strength, a wide range of performance tuning, easy construction, a high solid content, and environmental protection. 29,30…”