Functionalized Magnetic Fe3O4-β-Cyclodextran Nanoparticles for Efficient Removal of Bilirubin

Bilirubin (BR), as a lipophilic toxin, can binds and deposits in various tissues, especially the brain tissue, leading to hepatic coma and even death. Magnetic nanoparticles adsorbent modified by β-cyclodextran (Fe3O4-β-CD) was developed to remove the BR from the plasma. Fe3O4-β-CD nanoparticles was prepared through Schiff base reaction between the polyethylenimine (PEI)-modified Fe3O4 and aldehyde-functionalized β-CD, and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Under optimized conditions, the Fe3O4-β-CD adsorbent could adsorb 225.6 mg/g free BR in PBS and reach the adsorption equilibrium within 90 min mainly through hydrophobic interaction; Moreover, the adsorbent displayed better adsorption capability in a dialysis system for BSA-bound bilirubin, plasma bilirubin and total bile acid, and the removal rates of those were 66%, 31% and 41% respectively. Because of the advantages of fast separation and purification process, low preparation cost, good adsorption capability for plasma bilirubin, Fe3O4-β-CD may become an economical and promising absorbent of BR for clinical applications.