Hemodialysis provides the life support system for patients suffering from end-stage renal syndrome (ESRD). This review presents the historical development of different polymeric materials used for the synthesis of dialysis membranes. Initially, cellulose acetate and its derivatives formed the bases of polymeric materials for dialysis membranes, followed by polyacrylonitrile, polysulfone and others. The biocompatibility issues of each of these polymers have been discussed along with the clearance of uremic toxins. The acceptability of a particular membrane material for dialysis is not based entirely on the issue of biocompatibility. The uremic toxin flux is an equally important factor when recommending a particular material for use as a dialysis membrane. An ideal dialysis material would yield a membrane with high flux of uremic toxins with minimum biological reactions. Along with the development of biomaterials, spinning technologies employed for spinning of dialysis grade membranes have also been illustrated.

血液透析为患有终末期肾综合征（ESRD）的患者提供生命支持系统。这篇综述介绍了用于合成透析膜的不同聚合材料的历史发展。最初，醋酸纤维素及其衍生物形成了用于透析膜的聚合物材料的基础，随后是聚丙烯腈，聚砜等。已经讨论了每种聚合物的生物相容性问题以及清除尿毒症毒素的问题。用于透析的特定膜材料的可接受性并不完全基于生物相容性问题。当推荐一种特定的材料用作透析膜时，尿毒症毒素通量是同等重要的因素。理想的透析材料将产生具有高通量尿毒症毒素且生物反应最少的膜。随着生物材料的发展，也已经说明了用于透析级膜的纺丝的纺丝技术。