Liquid metal-embedded magnetic hydrogel beads as novel adsorbents for malachite green removal

• Published in: Food chemistry Vol. 464; no. Pt 3; p. 141842
• Main Authors: Li, Peiyi, Zhao, Jinxue, Zhai, Xuejing, Wang, Xinghai, Wen, Yahui, Wu, Lidong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2025
• Subjects: Adsorption; Magnetic hydrogel beads; Malachite green; LM; Magnetic hydrogel beads; Adsorption; Malachite green
• ISSN: 0308-8146; 1873-7072; 1873-7072
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141842

Malachite green (MG) is widely used in aquaculture as a parasiticide. It has generated much concern due to its carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, chromosomal fractures, teratogenicity, and respiratory toxicity. Effective methods for removing MG from water or other media are highly needed. Here, liquid metal (LM) is embedded into the magnetic hydrogel to create magnetic LM hydrogel beads with high adsorption capacity. The morphology and physical properties of the LM-embedded magnetic hydrogel beads are characterized using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and texture analysis methods. The adsorption efficiency of malachite green was assessed using spectrophotometric analysis at a wavelength of 623 nm. The hardness of these hydrogel beads reached a maximum of 4610 g, and its adsorption capacity reached 10 mg/g. Under the optimal condition, 0.05 %wt LM embedded magnetic hydrogel could remove 100 % of MG. This highly efficient magnetic adsorbent for dye removal has considerable potential for rapidly separating toxic contaminants from aquatic animal tissues, providing a cost-effective and straightforward solution to reduce dye pollution in aquatic environments and food products.
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•The embedded LM enhances hydrogel mechanical strength, increasing its adsorption capacity.•LM-embedded hydrogel beads surpass the pure one in adsorption, capacity reaches 10 mg/g.•Optimal conditions: LM-embedded beads achieve 100 % MG removal.•Magnetic properties enable automatic in situ dye removal from meat product.