Molecularly imprinted PHEMA-based cryogel for depletion of hemoglobin from human blood

A new generation of molecularly imprinted macroporous hydrogels, so-called cryogels, were prepared for depletion of hemoglobin from human blood. Hb-PHEMAH cryogels were prepared with gel fraction yields up to 90%, and its morphology and porosity were characterized by FTIR, SEM, swelling studies, flow dynamics and surface area measurements. Selective binding experiments were performed in the presence of competitive proteins Myb and BSA. Hb- PHEMAH cryogel exhibited a high binding capacity and selectivity for Hb in the presence of Myb and BSA. The selectivity of Hb- PHEMAH cryogel for Hb was confirmed by HPLC. Hb depletion from blood hemolysate was also studied using SDS-PAGE. Hb-PHEMAH cryogel can be reused many times with no apparent decrease in Hb adsorption capacity.