Advancements in modification of membrane materials over membrane separation for biomedical applications-Review.

A comprehensive overview of various modifications carried out on polymeric membranes for biomedical applications has been presented in this review paper. In particular, different methods of carrying out these modifications have been discussed. The uniqueness of the review lies in the sense that it discusses the surface modification techniques traversing the timeline from traditionally well-established technologies to emerging new techniques, thus giving an intuitive understanding of the evolution of surface modification techniques over time. A critical comparison of the advantages and pitfalls of commonly used traditional and emerging surface modification techniques have been discussed. The paper also highlights the tuning of specific properties of polymeric membranes that are critical for their increased applications in the biomedical industry specifically in drug delivery, along with current challenges faced and where the future potential of research in the field of surface modification of membranes. • The polymer surface modification methods reviewed. • Compared the surface modification techniques in membrane separation to underlay the current research going in developing new techniques. • The developed materials in combination of surface modification with high potential as tissue replacements, biosensors and antibacterial materials applications. • The tailor made membrane modifications for application in drug delivery and other biomedical applications discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]