Heparin removal from blood using poly(L-lysine) immobilized hollow fiber

Based on the negative charge density characteristics of heparin, an affinity adsorption technique has been developed for the removal of heparin from blood. Poly(L-lysine) . HBr (PLL . HBr), a polycation, was immobilized with the help of cyanogen bromide (BrCN) onto poly(ethylene-vinyl alcohol) (PEVAL) copolymer coated polyethylene (PE) hollow fibers. Heparin bound rapidly onto PLL . HBr immobilized surface in buffer, plasma, and blood. The heparin binding capacity of PLL immobilized surface increased sevenfold as compared to a non-PLL-treated control. When heparinized blood was recirculated through a PLL immobilized PEVAL hollow fiber cartridge, the anticoagulant activity of heparin decreased by 85% from initial activity in 25 min. Moreover, circulation of blood through PLL immobilized hollow fiber did not show any adverse effects; no hemolysis was observed and no significant loss of plasma proteins was noted during the heparin removal process. These results suggest that PLL immobilized surface may be utilized for rapid and effective removal of heparin from blood.