Designing of alternative polymeric nano-chelator for treatment in acute iron poisoning by molecular imprinting approach

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop an alternative polymeric chelating agent for rapid and selectively removal with high capacity of Fe3+ ions from the gastrointestinal tract for the oral treatment of acute iron poisoning. For this purpose, Fe3+ imprinted poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-(l)- glutamic acid) (HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles synthesized by surfactant free emülsiyon polymerization. Molecular imprinting (MIP) technique is used to enhance the selectivity of nanoparticles. Due to being carboxyl and amide groups on the MAGA monomer, it was chosen as a chelating agent for Fe3+ ions. Before the synthesizing of Fe3+ imprinted polymer, Fe3+ ions were complexed with MAGA and then Fe3+ imprinted nanoparticles were synthesized in the presence of this Fe3+-MAGA complexes. Poly(HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM). Average particle size and size distribution also determined by Zeta sizer. The specific surface area and mead diameter of the Fe3+ imprinted poly(HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles was 895 m2.g-1 and 95.3 nm, respectively. The maximum Fe3+ ions binding capacity of the poly(HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles at pH:4.0 were 206.4 mg.g-1 nanoparticles. Fe3+ removal performance of the Fe3+ imprinted poly(HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles with presence of other ions, optimum medium pH, temperature and equilibrium binding time were also investigated. Fe3+ removal studies were performed in both aqueous solution and intestinal mimicking solution.The results indicate that Fe3+ imprinted poly(HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles is an alternative chelating agent for the selective Fe3+ ions removal with a short time and very high capacity.