Removal of endotoxin in blood by polymyxin B immobilized polystyrene-derivative fiber

Kazuo Teramoto1, Yoshiaki Nakamoto, Tetsunosuke Kunitomo

  • 1Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.

Insights

Polymyxin B immobilized fibers (PMX-F) effectively adsorb endotoxins (lipopolysaccharide) from serum. This novel material also binds serum amyloid protein A, showing potential for targeted adsorption applications.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Medical Chemistry
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Polymyxin B is a cyclic decapeptide antibiotic known for its endotoxin-binding and toxicity-neutralizing properties.
  • Immobilizing bioactive molecules onto solid supports is a key strategy in developing advanced medical materials.
  • Endotoxins, particularly lipopolysaccharides (LPS), are potent pyrogens that pose significant risks in medical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize a novel fiber material for endotoxin adsorption.
  • To evaluate the adsorption capacity of polymyxin B immobilized fibers (PMX-F) for lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other serum components.
  • To assess the binding affinity of PMX-F for heparin.

Main Methods:

  • Polymyxin B was immobilized onto chloroacetamidomethylated polystyrene fiber reinforced with polypropylene.
  • The adsorption capacity of the resulting PMX-F was tested using fluorescein or tetramethylrhodamine-labeled lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in serum.
  • Adsorption was quantified by measuring fluorescence intensity and confirmed through desorption studies.
  • Binding of other serum components like serum amyloid protein A, C-reactive protein, low-density lipoprotein, and heparin was also evaluated.

Main Results:

  • PMX-F demonstrated significant adsorption of labeled LPS, with capacity dependent on LPS concentration and fiber amount.
  • Confirmation of endotoxin adsorption was achieved through successful desorption of LPS from the PMX-F.
  • PMX-F effectively adsorbed serum amyloid protein A but showed minimal binding to C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein.
  • The adsorption of heparin by PMX-F was found to be low.

Conclusions:

  • Polymyxin B immobilized fibers (PMX-F) represent an effective adsorbent for endotoxins (LPS).
  • PMX-F exhibits selective adsorption, binding LPS and serum amyloid protein A while largely excluding other tested serum proteins.
  • The developed PMX-F material shows promise for applications requiring the removal of endotoxins and potentially other specific biomolecules from biological fluids.

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