Cyclodextrin metal–organic framework derived nano-cubic gel particles for the efficient removal of bilirubin
Abstract
Hemoperfusion adsorption has been extensively studied for the removal of bilirubin from the blood of patients suffering from acute liver failure, and development of high performance adsorbents is significant to enhance its therapeutic efficacy. In this study, cubic gel nanoparticles (CGNPs) with ordered framework of cyclodextrin (CD) molecules and similar porous structure to metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) was successfully prepared and evaluated as adsorbent to remove bilirubin in blood. Accordingly, γ-CD-MOF with particle size between 300–500?nm was prepared by vapor diffusion method. By further covalently cross-linking of CD molecules and removing of metal ions (K+), CD-MOF derivative CGNPs with excellent water stability were obtained. Due to the host–guest interaction between CD and bilirubin molecules, the porous structure and spherical cavity of CD-MOF, CGNPs could rapidly adsorb bilirubin within 15?min, achieving a bilirubin removal rate of over 95?%. A high adsorption capacity of 732.11?mg·g?1 was obtained at equilibrium within 2?h. Moreover, the CGNPs showed good blood compatibility through hemolysis and coagulation tests, and a reasonable bilirubin removal rate at 53.4?% was achieved in simulated hyperbilirubinemia plasma. The above results indicate that cubic gel particles with ordered CD frameworks analogous to MOF structures are promising adsorbent for effective removal of bilirubin in hemoperfusion.