A new chitosan derivative of chitosan immobilized with beta-cyclodextrins (CTC) has been synthesized by the reaction of chitosan and allyl-substituted beta-cyclodextrins (ASC). Its structure has been proved by Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis, X-ray powder diffraction analysis, and chemical analysis. Its adsorption of bilirubin has been also studied. By the experiment, it has been found that this new product has good adsorption ability on bilirubin. At initial 2 h, the adsorption increased largely. The adsorption mechanism was also dealt with. It predicted that this new chitosan derivative could have application in removing the bilirubin. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.