Biochelation cartridge for the solid-phase extraction of trace metals

Abstract

The characterisation and metal complexation capacities of biochelating silicas utilising hydroxamate complexation are described. Metal complexation on the silica displayed the characteristic optical properties of the free complexes in aqueous solution. Unsubstituted and N-methyl-substituted monohydroxamate silicas are compared with the biochelator, desferrioxamine immobilised on to silica; the latter displayed an over-all lower capacity as a function of pH. A trace metal cartridge utilising the biochelating silica showed good stability, pre-concentration and elution properties for a number of metals.