Engineered Heparinized GQDS/HPEI–Polyamide Membrane for Bilirubin Removal via One Step Anti Coagulation

ABSTRACT Excessive accumulation of bilirubin, a byproduct of heme degradation, can cause severe neurotoxicity in neonates, leading to Kernicterus. Current hemoperfusion therapies are limited by the need for separate anticoagulation, which increases treatment complexity and risks. To overcome this challenge, a polyamide‐based adsorptive membrane integrating one‐step anticoagulation‐adsorption for bilirubin elimination from human blood was engineered. The membrane was functionalized with hyperbranched polyethylene imine (HPEI), embedded with graphene quantum dots (GQDs), and further coated with heparin, enabling synergistic improvements in surface activity and hemocompatibility. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the presence of active sites, while hemocompatibility evaluations demonstrated prolonged clotting times, reduced fibrinogen adsorption, and lower hemolysis rates. The optimized membrane achieved maximum bilirubin adsorption efficiency of 53% and with adsorption capacity of 120 mg/g, outperforming the control. This multifunctional design offers a single platform that combines bilirubin clearance with intrinsic anticoagulant activity, and holds strong potential for advancing blood purification therapies in hyperbilirubinemia.