Silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles loaded with Cu(II): preparation and application to the purification of bovine serum albumin

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with silica gel were prepared, then functionalized with a tridentate ligand via a silane coupling agent (3-chloropropyl)triethoxysilane, and finally loaded with Cu(II) ions. The resulting materials were characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD, FTIR and TGA techniques. They display strong affinity for BSA with an adsorption capacity as high as 235 mg g −1 and with a fast (30 min) establishment of adsorption equilibrium. Repetitive adsorptions (6 times) hardly affect the adsorption capability. The kinetics and isotherm of the adsorption of BSA were also investigated. Core-Shell magnetic nanoparticles functionalised with tridentate ligand BPA which binds Cu(II) were prepared. The materials adsorb BSA with high adsorption capacity (235 mg g −1 ) and fast establishment of adsorption equilibrium (30 min). Repetitive adsorption-desorption (6 times) did not affect significantly the adsorption capacity.