June 30th, 2015

Iranian researchers produced a nanosorbent that can adsorb and measure small amounts of heavy metals in children food samples.

The nanosorbent has high speed and accuracy and can be produced through a cost-effective method. Results of the research can be used in foodstuff industries.
The aim of the researchers was to find new methods for the easy and quick separation and measurement of heavy metals in foodstuff and environmental samples to reduce and eliminate the chemical harms caused by metals.
Detection and measurement of cadmium is very important among all different metals. In addition, although small amounts of zinc is necessary to the body, its high concentration causes digestive malfunctions and results in the related diseases due to its toxicity. Therefore, the researchers focused on the detection of these metals, specially in foodstuff that are very complicated in terms of measurement.
Magnetic organometallic framework (MOF) nanocomposite has been used to selectively separate these metals from the foodstuff and their pre-concentration. MOFs are porous solid phases that contain pores in which some of the metallic ions are placed. The size and shape of the pores are very effective in the selective sorption of the ions.
Based on the positive results, the nanosorbent can be used in various industries such as foodstuff and petroleum to detect and measure heavy metals.
Among the most important advantages of this nanosorbent, mention can be made of reducing the cost of food sample evaluation, reducing pollution caused by large consumption of toxic solvents due to the high surface area, and high sorption capacity.