Synthesis and characterization of ultrafiltration membranes by phase inversion and by uropathogenic Escherichia coli retention performance

Ultrafiltration (UF) membrane was prepared using the Manjikian process via phase inversion from casting five increasing polymer concentrations (cellulose acetate at 15, 16.5, 18, 19.5 and 21 wt.%), acetone and formamide (2:1) (v/v). The synthesized membranes were tested by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, contact angle and porosity. The permeability was determined and the molecular weight cut-off was evaluated by the retention of polyethylene glycol. The results showed that the higher polymer concentration enhanced hydrophilicity of the membranes as well as decreased the molecular weight cut-off. The membranes demonstrated greater potential to retain pathogenic and epidemiological UroPathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) at higher polymer concentrations. The highest polymer concentration membranes were able to retain a total discharge of 8U-log bacteria.