Modification of magnetite-doped NH2-MIL-100(Fe) by aliphatic C8 or C18 carbon chain with excellent hydrophobicity for effective protein separation and purification

[[abstract]]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 or C18 carbon chain to create a hydrophobic surface distribution. The detailed characterizations of NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C8 and NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C18 were performed to demonstrate its attractive properties, such as unique MOF architecture, enough surface area, and surface hydrophobicity. In addition, both modifications resulted in the distinctive hydrophobic interaction with an individual protein under a specific conditions, such as NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C8 in acetonitrile aqueous and NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C18 in sodium chloride solution. The optimum procedures for the separation of target protein from a mixture were established with good resolution. Since we have introduced Fe3O4 to NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C8 and NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C18 to provide with excellent magnetization, the target protein could be easily collected by a magnet and both could be regenerated over 15 times without significant loss of its capacity. Therefore, NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C8 and NH2-MIL-100(Fe)-C18 provides researchers the higher protein binding capacity, reliable performance for multiple usage, more convenient and affordable method for protein purification in laboratory.