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Regenerated Cellulose Hydrogel for Green, Efficient, and Selective Heparin Extraction.
Zhuojun Meng1, Pengfei Zhang1, Ke An1
1Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China.
Biomacromolecules
|November 25, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a green cellulose hydrogel for efficient heparin extraction, offering a sustainable alternative to plastic-based adsorbents. This novel material shows high selectivity and reusability, addressing challenges in anticoagulant purification.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Heparin purification is challenging, with current methods using petroleum-based adsorbents that pose microplastic risks.
- There is a need for sustainable and safe alternatives for anticoagulant recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a green, cellulose-based hydrogel for selective and efficient heparin extraction.
- To evaluate the performance of the novel hydrogel compared to commercial adsorbents.
Main Methods:
- Modification of cellulose nanofibrils (PCCNFs) with quaternary ammonium groups.
- Ionic liquid (IL) dissolution and regeneration to form cationic cellulose (cCell) hydrogels.
- Electrospraying to fabricate monodispersed spheres for column-based operations.
Main Results:
- PCCNF-based hydrogels captured ~88% heparin in 1 minute, outperforming commercial Amberlite IRA-900.
- Regenerated cCell hydrogels demonstrated high selectivity for heparin over protein contaminants.
- The hydrogels exhibited excellent reusability over multiple extraction cycles.
Conclusions:
- Regenerated cellulose-based hydrogels are effective, sustainable alternatives to plastic adsorbents for heparin recovery.
- This technology offers a scalable solution for purifying heparin and other polyelectrolytes.
- The developed hydrogels mitigate potential health risks associated with microplastic contamination.
