Selective potassium uptake via biocompatible zeolite–polymer hybrid microbeads as promising binders for hyperkalemia

Abstract

Patients with chronic kidney disease are at high risk of hyperkalemia that is associated with various life-threatening complications. Treatments primarily rely on orally administered potassium binding agents, along with low curative effects and various side effects. Herein, direct serum potassium uptake was realized via zeolite–heparin-mimicking-polymer hybrid microbeads. The preparation process involved the synthesis of the heparin-mimicking polymer via the in situ cross-linking polymerization of acrylic acid and N -vinylpyrrolidone in polyethersulfone solution, the fabrication of microbeads via zeolite-mixing, electro-spraying and phase-inversion, and the subsequent aqueous-phase modifications based on ion-exchange and metal-leaching. An ultra-high (about 88%) amount of zeolite could be incorporated and well locked inside the polymer matrix. Potassium uptake capability was verified in water, normal saline and human serum, showing high selectivity and fast adsorption. The microbeads exhibited satisfying blood compatibility, negligible hemolysis ratio, prolonged clotting time, inhibited contact activation, and enhanced antifouling property toward serum proteins and cells. The proposed approach toward zeolite–heparin-mimicking-polymer hybrid microbeads provided a cheap, efficient and safe treatment protocol of hyperkalemia for the high-risk patients.

Progress of polyethersulfone composites and their applications in biomedical engineering

“…In addition, hyperkalemia treatment was affordable during HP by introducing ultra-high amounts (∼88%) of super-hydrophilic LTA-type zeolite in the PAA/PES microspheres. 126 The high aluminum content of zeolite guaranteed sufficient hydration of the Na + ions in serum while the serum potassium uptake originated from the balance among the multiple conversions of LTA (Na-LTA to K/Ca/Mg-LTA) via ion competition. Likewise, crown-grafted core–shell PES microspheres displayed high selectivity ratios of K + ( S K/Na , S K/Ca , S K/Mg up to 9.8, 21.6, and 17.7) attributing to the unique structure for K + permeation across the shell and being captured by the core.…”

Self-protonating, plasma polymerized, superimposed multi-layered biomolecule nanoreservoir as blood-contacting surfaces

“…As known, heparin improves hemocompatibility when being used in vascular device coatings due to its suppression of fibrinogen (Fg) and subsequently platelet activation [11,15]. Hence, we evaluated the adsorption and activation of Fg, as well as the platelet adhesion and activation onto our coatings after incubation in platelet poor plasma (PPP) as another assessment 13 for heparin bioactivity.…”