Diffusive and hydraulic permeabilities of commercially available cellulosic hemodialysis films and hollow fibers

Abstract The diffusive and hydraulic permeabilities of cellulosic hemodialysis films, tubes, and hollow fibers prepared via the cuprammonium process by Enka-Glanzstoff have been measured. Mass transport properties were measured for several manufacturing lots and for various film thicknesses and hollow fiber types. Hollow fibers were found to be more permeable than flat sheets having the same wet thickness. The diffusive permeability of small molecules is not correlated with the hydraulic permeability, but there is correspondence between hydraulic permeability and diffusive permeability of larger solutes. Radiation sterilization was found to have a deleterious effect on transport properties, as did extended dry heating at 80°C. Washing procedures and/or ethylene oxide sterilization did not affect permeation properties significantly