C3A Cells-Inoculated Affinity Membrane for Bilirubin Removal

Affinity membranes have the potential to enhance the specific adsorption of toxins, however, they suffer from insufficient hemocompatibility and low therapeutic efficiency during blood detoxification therapy. Herein, we combine an affinity membrane with a bioreactor to develop a blood purification membrane with affinity adsorption detoxification and cell detoxification functions. To fabricate the membrane, a polyethersulfone (iPES) membrane with a macroporous support layer was prepared by a phase inversion technique and modified with polydopamine (PDA). The iPES/PDA composite membrane exhibited excellent biocompatibility and blood compatibility, as well as controllable permeability. Lysine (Lys) and hepatocytes (C3A cells), which were selected as the affinity ligand for bilirubin adsorption and detoxification cells, respectively, were immobilized on the iPES/PDA composite membrane via the active group and adhesiveness of PDA coating on the membrane. The fabricated C3A cells-inoculated iPES/PDA/Lys membrane not only achieved high cell activity and function of the inoculated cells but also significantly improved the toxin clearance efficiency.