Highly negatively charged carbonized polymer dots/cellulose microspheres for efficient blood LDL removal

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Hemoperfusion is a crucial blood purification technique that relies on adsorbent performance for efficacy.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) removal is a key target in managing cardiovascular health.
• Developing advanced adsorbents with enhanced biocompatibility and selectivity is essential for improving hemoperfusion therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel hemoperfusion adsorbent using carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) as functional ligands.
• To evaluate the LDL adsorption capacity and selectivity of the CPD-modified adsorbent.
• To assess the hemocompatibility and cytotoxic effects of the new adsorbent material.

Main Methods:

• Carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method with citric acid and p-aminosalicylic acid.
• CPDs were incorporated onto cellulose microspheres to create a novel hemoperfusion adsorbent.
• LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) adsorption capacities, zeta potential, hemolysis rate, and cytotoxicity were evaluated.

Main Results:

• The CPD-modified cellulose microspheres exhibited a significantly enhanced negative charge (-31.0 mV) compared to unmodified microspheres (-1.22 mV).
• The adsorbent demonstrated a high LDL adsorption capacity (80.3 ± 1.2 mg/g) and selectivity, with 5.7 times greater adsorption for LDL than HDL.
• The modified adsorbent showed excellent hemocompatibility, with a low hemolysis rate (0.81%) and minimal cytotoxic effects.

Conclusions:

• Carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) serve as effective functional ligands for hemoperfusion adsorbents, significantly enhancing LDL adsorption.
• The CPD-modified cellulose microsphere adsorbent offers improved performance and hemocompatibility for blood purification applications.
• This research presents a promising new class of materials for advancing hemoperfusion technologies.