SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND BLOOD COMPATIBILITY OF CONDUCTIVE CELLULOSE COMPOSITE MEMBRANES

Abstract: Cladophora cellulose polypyrrole composites are recognized as potential biomaterials with future applications in hemodialysis. In this project conductive Cladophora cellulose-polypyrrole (clad-ppy) composites were prepared using two different oxidizing agents: iron (III) chloride and phosphomolybdic acid (PMo). Cyclic voltammetry, conductivity and Specific surface area measurements were done to characterize the synthesized composites. Furthermore in vitro blood compatibility studies were performed. Whole blood was incubated with clad-ppy membranes and then blood was analyzed for platelet number reduction and complement activation products (C3a and sC5b-9). Clad-ppy with Iron (III) chloride membranes were found to be superior in terms of conductivity and surface area while Clad-ppy with PMo membranes were found to provoke less blood activation. The results indicated that each oxidizing agent gave distinct properties to the composite material.