Bio-hybrid inorganic microparticles derived from CO

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Antibiotic resistance is a global concern, with oxytetracycline (OTC) accumulation in food chains posing health risks.
• Effective removal of OTC from the environment is crucial due to its widespread use in aquaculture and potential toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel bio-hybrid inorganic microparticles for efficient capture and magnetic separation of OTC.
• To create a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method for antibiotic removal.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of magnetic separable silica coated calcium carbonate microparticles (mag-SiCC) derived from CO2.
• Conjugation of mag-SiCC with oxytetracycline binding aptamers (OBA) to create apt-mag-SiCC.
• Characterization using SEM, FT-IR, EDAX, BET, and CLSM; evaluation of OTC capturing efficiency and selectivity in buffer and tap water.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized ~6 μm sized bio-hybrid inorganic microparticles (apt-mag-SiCC).
• Demonstrated low non-specific adsorption and selective capturing of OTC in various water conditions.
• Confirmed stability and maintained high capturing efficiency after repeated use.

Conclusions:

• The novel bio-hybrid inorganic microparticles enable efficient OTC capture via facile magnetic separation.
• The material's ease of fabrication, low cost, and environmental friendliness make it suitable for drinking water treatment, diagnostics, and blood purification.