Modification of magnetite-doped NH2-MIL-100(Fe) with aliphatic C8 carbon chain for feasible protein purification in reversed-phase mode

NH2-MIL-100(Fe) is a stable Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) possessing numerous tunable properties. In this study, we have successfully modified NH2-MIL-100(Fe) with aliphatic C8 carbon chain to create a hydrophobic surface distribution. The detailed characterizations of NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C8 were performed to demonstrate its attractive properties, such as unique MOF architecture, sufficient surface area, and surface hydrophobicity. In addition, the NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C8 exhibited the distinctive hydrophobic interaction with an individual protein under a specific concentration of acetonitrile, and was able to separate the protein from a mixture with a good resolution. It has a binding capacity of 6.25 μg of BSA/mg particle. Since we have introduced Fe3O4 to NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C8 to provide with excellent magnetization, the target protein could be easily collected by a magnet and the NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C8 could be regenerated over 15 times without significant loss of its capacity. Therefore, NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C8 provides researchers with a convenient and affordable tool for protein separation and purification in reversed-phase mode.