Three-Dimensional Graphene Oxide Skeleton Guided Poly(acrylic Acid) Composite Hydrogel Particles with Hierarchical Pore Structure for Hemoperfusion

Recently, in order to increase and improve treatment efficacy of hemoperfusion, research and development of novel adsorbents have been paid much attention. Herein, three-dimensional (3D) graphene oxide (GO) skeleton guided poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) composite hydrogel particles (HPs) used for hemoperfusion were prepared by a core–shell template method. The 3D GO skeletons with millimeter-scale were first constructed with the assistance of templates, dissolvable poly(ether sulfone) hollow particles, which were prepared by a phase inversion technique; then, PAA hydrogels were formed and distributed on the surface of the 3D GO skeleton. The obtained HPs showed a special hierarchical pore microstructure, small size, and uniform spherical shape. Compared with pure PAA hydrogels, the swelling ratios of the HPs were significantly restricted, and the porosities were remarkably increased; the compressive stress and the elongation at break were improved at the same time. The hemocompatibility tests, including protein adsorption, hemolysis ratio, complement and contact activation, platelet adhesion, and clotting time, were carried out, and the results indicated that the HPs showed good hemocompatibility. The adsorption results indicated that the HPs exhibited good removal efficiency toward exogenous and endogenous toxins. In general, the suitable physical and mechanical properties and the excellent hemocompatibility and adsorption capacities made the composite hydrogel particle a promising candidate for novel hemoperfusion adsorbents.