Protein/Polysaccharide Composite toward Multi-in-One Toxin Removal in Blood with Self-Anticoagulation and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Chemistry

Background:

• Hemoperfusion requires biocompatible adsorbents for toxin removal.
• Current adsorbents cannot simultaneously remove diverse small and medium molecular toxins, hindering device miniaturization.
• A need exists for efficient, multi-functional hemoperfusion materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biocompatible adsorbent with "multi-in-one" toxin removal capabilities.
• To create a simple and rapid method for preparing hemoperfusion adsorbents.
• To evaluate the adsorption performance of the developed material for various toxins.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of a protein-polysaccharide complex by mixing lysozyme (LZ) and sodium alginate (SA).
• Characterization of the adsorbent's composition and surface properties.
• Quantification of adsorption capacities for bilirubin, urea, heavy metals (Hg2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Cr3+, Cd2+), and antibiotics using established methods.

Main Results:

• The LZ/SA adsorbent demonstrated high capacities for bilirubin (468 mg g-1), urea (331 mg g-1), and Hg2+ (497 mg g-1).
• Achieved a record-high bilirubin adsorption capacity in serum albumin, simulating physiological conditions.
• Showcased effective adsorption for a broad range of heavy metals and antibiotics.
• Identified various exposed functional groups contributing to the high adsorption efficiency.

Conclusions:

• A novel, fully bio-derived LZ/SA adsorbent offers simultaneous removal of diverse toxins.
• The simple preparation method and multi-functional adsorption properties present significant advantages.
• This material holds great promise for applications in hemoperfusion and treating blood-related diseases.