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

T he aim of this study is to develop an alternative polymeric chelating agent for rapid and selectively removal with high capacity of iron (Fe 3 ) + ions from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract for the oral treatment of acute iron poisoning. For this purpose, Fe 3+ imprinted poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-(l)- glutamic acid) (HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles were synthesized by surfactant free emülsiyon polymerization. Molecular imprinting (MIP) technique was 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 Fe 3+ ions. Before the synthesizing of Fe 3+ imprinted polymer, Fe 3+ ions were complexed with (N-methacryloyl-(l)-glutamic acid) MAGA and then Fe 3+ imprinted nanoparticles were synthesized in the presence of this Fe 3+ -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 Fe 3+ imprinted poly(HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles was 895 m 2 .g -1 and 95.3 nm, respectively. The maximum Fe 3+ ions binding capacity of the poly(HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles at pH:4.0 were 206.4 mg.g -1 nanoparticles in intestinal mimicking solution(IMS). Fe 3+ removal performance of the Fe 3+ imprinted poly(HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles with presence of other ions, optimum medium pH, temperature and equilibrium binding time were also investigated. Fe 3+ removal studies were performed in both aqueous solution and intestinal mimicking solution. The results indicate that Fe 3+ imprinted poly(HEMA-MAGA) nanoparticles is an alternative chelating agent for the selective Fe 3+ ions removal in a short time and with very high capacity.