N-vinylimidazole-divinylbenzene (VI-DVB) copolymer beads with a N-vinylimidazole (VI) weight content ranging from 7% to 15% were studied as possible adsorbents for hemoperfusion and compared with the cross-linked polystyrene beads from commercial devices. All the beads had a large volume fraction of mesopores with diameters of 2–50 nm, quantified by nitrogen adsorption, and BET areas from 500 to 1000 m²/g. Metal-chelate adsorption of copper (II) ions on VI-DVB was high in 0.15 M NaCl (up to 40 μmol/mL), and low in blood plasma (< 1 μmol/mL). Reversible adsorption of blood plasma proteins was high (> 100 mg/mL beads) on all the bead types. Irreversibly adsorbed proteins eluted by 2% SDS included albumin, fibrinogen, fibronectin, and transferrin. Metal chelating contributed to the irreversible adsorption. Unlike the beads from commercial devices, VI-DVB beads adsorbed the LPS endotoxin from plasma. Adsorption of bilirubin and IL-6 was high on all the beads tested, but VI-DVB beads were better adsorbents of bile acids. VI-DVB are promising as components of multifunctional devices for blood purification applicable to treatment of diseases where conventional devices have lower or negligible adsorption capacity.

Macroporous monolithic composites with embedded divinylbenzene-styrene (DVB-ST) polymeric particles were prepared by cryogelation techniques using poly(vinyl alcohol) or agarose solutions. Scanning electron microscopy images showed multiple interconnected pores with an average diameter in the range of 4 to 180 μm and quite homogeneous distribution of DVB-ST particles in the composites. Biocompatibility of the composites was assessed by estimation of the C5a fragment of complement in the blood serum and concentration of fibrinogen in the blood plasma which contacted the composites. A time-dependent generation of C5a fragment indicated weak activation of the complement system. At the same time, the difference in fibrinogen concentration, one of the most important proteins in the coagulation system of the blood, between the pristine blood plasma and the plasma, circulated through the monolithic columns, was insignificant.