Dechlorination of 2,4,4′-trichlorobiphenyl by magnetoferritin with different loading factors

Polychlorinated biphenyls are synthetic industrial organic substances. These persistent pollutants occur in nature causing high ecological risks and damage to human health. Magnetoferritin nanoparticles composed of apoferritin protein shell surrounding synthetically prepared iron-based nanoparticles seem to be a promising candidate for polychlorinated biphenyls elimination. Properties of magnetoferritin, as a redox activity, a biocompatible character, high application possibilities and a close relationship with the human body promoted ours in vitro investigation of the magnetoferritin catalytic activity in the presence of representative 2,4,4′-trichlorobiphenyl. Basic physico-chemical properties of magnetoferritin were determined by ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry and atomic force microscopy. The remediation effect of magnetoferritin on 2,4,4′-trichlorobiphenyl was demonstrated by the use of gas chromatography in combination with infrared spectroscopy. [Display omitted] •Remediation of 2,4,4′-trichlorobiphenyl was observed in the presence of magnetoferritin.•The concentration of 2,4,4′-trichlorobiphenyl decreased with the loading factor increasing.•Infrared spectroscopy measurements confirmed dechlorination of 2,4,4′-trichlorobiphenyl.•Redox-active magnetoferritin can be used as detoxification agent in organisms.