Fabricating polyacrylonitrile-polyethyleneimine nanofiber membranes with exceptional hemocompatibility and efficient bilirubin removal for hemoperfusion

Bilirubin, a severe endogenous toxin, underscores the critical need for the development of bilirubin adsorbents exhibiting both high removal efficiency and exceptional hemocompatibility. Such advancements are pivotal for augmenting the efficacy of hemoperfusion therapy in managing hyperbilirubinemia. Here, a polyacrylonitrile-polyethyleneimine (PAN-PEI) nanofiber membrane (NFM) with elevated amino content was prepared using a facile reflux method for bilirubin adsorption. The PAN-PEI NFMs exhibited a significantly augmented surface amino density of 23.5 mmol.m−2, consequently achieving a remarkable bilirubin adsorption capacity of 87.65 mg.g−1, along with an impressive removal efficiency of 92.3% for bilirubin. Additionally, these nanofiber membranes displayed excellent hemocompatibility, including minimal hemolysis rates, significant anti-protein and anti-hemocyte adhesion properties, as well as a certain degree of anticoagulant activity. These results indicate that the vast potential of using PAN-PEI nanofiber membranes for hyperbilirubinemia hemoperfusion therapy.