DNA-Modified Polysulphone Microspheres for Endocrine Disruptors and Heavy Metal Ions Removal

Abstract

Porous polysulphone (PSf) microspheres were modified by blending DNA into them and immobilizing DNA onto their surfaces. The DNAmodified microspheres, which were stable in water, were then used to remove endocrine disruptors and heavy metal ions from their aqueous solutions. Such microspheres could effectively accumulate pollutant compounds and endocrine disruptors, such as ethidium bromide, Acridine Orange, biphenyl, dibenzofuran and dibenzo-p-dioxin from their aqueous solutions. PSf microspheres without DNA also accumulated and removed endocrine disruptors due to their porosity and the hydrophobic interaction between the endocrine disruptors and PSf. Endocrine disruptors with and without a planar structure were effectively accumulated and removed by the DNA-modified PSf microspheres. In addition, PSf microspheres were found to be capable of selectively removing heavy metal ions such as Zn , Cd 2+ and Ag + from their aqueous solutions. These results show that DNA can be used to modify PSf microspheres, with the DNAmodified microspheres having a potential use in environmental applications.

In Situ Cross-Linked Polymerization toward Poly(ether sulfone)/Poly(sodium acrylate) Hybrid Particles for the Removal of Environmental Toxins

“…Recently, more attention has been attached to polymer-based adsorbents , due to their high efficiency, good selectivity, reusability and relatively low cost. , Kinds of polymer-based membranes and particles have been studied as adsorbents for pollutant removal in our laboratory, − and several functional groups such as sulfonic and carboxyl groups are introduced into polymeric matrixes for the application of adsorbing dyes and heavy metal ions.…”

DNA fragments assembled on polyamidoamine‐grafted core‐shell magnetic silica nanoparticles for removal of mercury(II) and methylmercury(I)

“…However, the residual surfactant at considerable concentration might be left in the treated water. In another demonstration, DNA‐containing microsphere adsorbents, prepared by blending‐phase inversion or by UV irradiation to produce water‐insoluble DNA structures on the surface, were tested for removing Cu(II), Zn(II), Ag(I), Pb(II), Cd(II) and Mg(II). But the residual metal ion concentrations were in the range of 1 to 4 mg L −1 , and mercury was not in the removal list.…”