Silymarin modified polysulfone hollow fiber membranes with antioxidant, anti‐M1 macrophage polarization and hemocompatibility for blood purification

Oxidative stress is highly prevalent in maintenance hemodialysis patients and increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Silymarin (SM) is a natural compound extracted from plants, and has been shown to have pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, cytoprotective, and anti‐nephrotoxicity. SM‐modified polysulfone (PSF) hemodialysis membranes were prepared by an immersion‐precipitation phase transition method. The experimental results showed that the modified membranes effectively scavenged free radicals, significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation, and had good antioxidant stability (60 days). The PSF/SM antioxidant membranes (H‐3) had no pro‐inflammatory effect, which was confirmed by the result of anti‐M1 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, the hemolysis rate (2%), blood cell deformation (3.7%), and inhibition of erythrocyte and platelet adhesion were improved by the SM‐modified PSF membranes. All the results suggest that PSF/SM blended hollow fiber membranes are promising for application in hemodialysis membranes to improve oxidative stress status and reduce inflammation and complications in patients.