Enhanced removal of bilirubin on molecularly imprinted titania film

► Titania film imprinted by bilirubin molecule at the surface of quartz crystal is successfully prepared using molecular imprinting and surface sol-gel process. ► Compared with pure titania film, the molecularly imprinted titania film exhibits a much higher adsorption capacity for bilirubin molecule. ► The molecularly imprinted titania film possesses a better stability and reusability. ► The molecularly imprinted titania film has potential application in blood purification therapy.