Separation of organic and biomolecules using nano-sized magnetic particles

Abstract

Separation of organic and biomolecules by nano-sized magnetic particles was studied. Nano-sized magnetic particles were prepared using Fe2+, Fe3+ salts and ammonium hydroxide by chemical precipitation method in nitrogen atmosphere. Extraction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (LSZ) were carried out either in single component or in binary mixture. Surface modifications of magnetic particles by coating double layer surfactants were carried out for the separation of 2-hydroxyphenol (2-HP) and 2-nitrophenol (2-NP). Characterizations of adsorption process were carried out using different methods. Effect of pH and salt concentration on adsorption were studied. Adsorption equilibrium was fitted with Langmuir model. Adsorption kinetics was fitted with linear driving force model. Desorption of target molecules from magnetic particles were carried out using different desorption agents. Conformational change of desorbed proteins and enzymatic activity were measured. Experimental results show nano-sized magnetic particles are effective tools for the separation of organic and biomolecules.