Optimization of zinc oxide nanoparticle-catalyzed bilirubin photolysis and treatment of hyperbilirubinemia.

To optimize the Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs)-catalyzed photolysis of bilirubin and to test their effect on bilirubin clearance . ZnONPs, synthesized in an alkaline medium, were characterized. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the photolysis catalyzed by the nanoparticles (NPs). Blood samples from phenylhydrazine-induced hyperbilirubinemic rabbits which had been administered ZnONPs and UV light were analyzed to assess clearance of bilirubin. The ZnONP-assisted UV treatment showed the linear and quadratic positive effects on the bilirubin photolysis with an optimal photolysis of bilirubin at 225 mg dl concentration of ZnONPs and a UV exposure of 1.80 h. The ZnONP-assisted phototherapy of hyperbilirubinemic animals was also found to be more effective for clearance of bilirubin than phototherapy alone. After further trials, ZnONP-assisted phototherapy could be a potential treatment for hyperbilirubinemia in humans.