Synthesis of amine-functionalized Fe₃O₄@C nanoparticles for laccase immobilization

Amine-functionalized Fe₃O₄@C nanoparticles with an average diameter of 266nm have been successfully synthesized by a solvothermal reduction method. The structure, morphology and properties of the Fe₃O₄@C nanoparticles were investigated through different analytical tools. Due to the magnetic nature and the presence of amine-functionalized groups, the as-prepared Fe₃O₄@C nanoparticles were employed as magnetic carriers for laccase immobilization. The results indicated that the loading of laccase onto the amine-functionalized Fe₃O₄@C nanoparticles was approximately 195mg/g. In comparison with free laccase, the pH, operational and storage stabilities of the immobilized laccase were significantly improved. After 10 consecutive operations, the immobilized laccase retained above 60% residual activity. The removal rates of o-phenylenediamine (OPD) by immobilized laccase were 88%, which were much higher than that of free laccase (50%). It hoped that the amine-functionalized Fe₃O₄@C nanoparticles may find an application in biotechnology and catalysis.