Abstract
A unique method was used to synthesize extremely stable silver stearate nanoparticles
(AgStNPs) incorporated in an organic-based monolith. The facile strategy was then
used to selectively isolate hemeproteins, myoglobin (Myo) and hemoglobin (Hb). Ethyl
alcohol, silver nitrate, and stearic acid were, respectively, utilized as reducing
agents, silver precursors, and capping agents. The color changed to cloudy from
transparent, indicating that AgStNPs had been formed. AgStNP nanostructures were then
distinctly integrated into the natural polymeric scaffold. To characterize the
AgStNP–methacrylate polymeric monolith and the silver nanoparticles,
energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and
Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were used. The results of the SEM
analysis indicated that the AgStNP–methacrylate polymeric monolith’s
texture was so rough in comparison with that of the methacrylate polymeric monolith,
indicating that the extraction process of the monolith materials would be more
efficient because of the extended surface area of the absorbent. The comparison
between the FT-IR spectra of AgStNPs, the bare organic monolith, and
AgStNP–methacrylate polymeric monolith confirms that the AgStNPs were
immobilized on the surface of the organic monolith. The EDX profile of the built
materials indicated an advanced peak of the Ag sequence which represented an Ag atom
of 3.27%. The results therefore established that the AgStNPs had been successfully
integrated into the monolithic materials. Extraction efficiencies of 92% and 97% were
used to, respectively, recover preconcentrated Myo and Hb. An uncomplicated method is
a unique approach of both fabrication and utilization of the nanosorbent to
selectively isolate hemeproteins. The process can further be implemented by using
other noble metals.