Development of PVP40-Based Hemodialysis Membranes with prospects for mRNA Therapeutics Delivery

Introduction: over the past decade, significant progress has been made in developing advanced hemodialysis membranes with improved hydrophilicity, porosity, and structural stability to enhance renal care. Given the hierarchical pore structure and biocompatible surface of PES/PVP40 membranes, we explored their potential as platforms for RNA-based therapies, offering new possibilities to integrate drug delivery into existing dialysis systems. Method: PES-based membranes were fabricated using NIPS with PVP40 to enhance hydrophilicity and hierarchical porosity. Key parameters—such as water contact angle (WCA), porosity, urea and creatinine clearance, and bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection—were analyzed to evaluate membrane performance. Results: the PVP40-modified membranes showed superior characteristics: WCA of 46.6°, porosity of 51,7 %, high urea (69,7 %) and creatinine (73,4 %) clearance, and balanced BSA rejection (86,1 %). Extended isopropanol soaking further improved hydrophilicity, porosity, and mechanical strength, emphasizing the value of post-treatment methods. Conclusions: this study shows that PVP40 significantly enhances membrane performance by improving hydrophilicity and porosity. The results highlight the importance of additive selection, fabrication techniques, and post-treatment strategies. Future research should explore the feasibility of using PES/ PVP40 membranes as multifunctional platforms for simultaneous detoxification and targeted RNA delivery, potentially transforming hemodialysis into a personalized molecular therapy.