Protein Separation Using Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

摘要

Bare and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coated iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized to be used as magnetic tag for protein separation. The method used was coprecipitation technique, using ferric and ferrous chloride solutions in presence of sodium hydroxide with a molar ratio of Fe~(3+) to Fe~(2+) as 2:1. Biocompatible coated samples were prepared by adding 3% and 5% PVA solutions respectively during the coprecipitation. Shape and an average size of the particles were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Structural studies of the particles ranging about 8 ± 2 nm in size was carried out using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) which showed typical spinal phase of iron oxide. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed the attachment of PVA on a surface of the particles. Magnetic measurements were carried out using Vibrating Sample Magnetometery (VSM) at room temperature. Stability of the nanoparticles were tested in deionized water and the buffers used for protein separation. Particles have retained their magnetic properties and can be separated from colloidal solutions with the help permanent magnet. Hence, the iron oxide nanoparticles can be used as magnetic tags for separation of proteins.