Oligomers matrix-assisted dispersion of high content of carbon nanotubes into monolithic column for online separation and enrichment of proteins from complex biological samples

Abstract

In this work, a new oligomer matrix-assisted dispersion (OMAD) method for the preparation of homogeneous dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) incorporated monolithic column was developed. Oligomers matrix as a scaffold could allow MWNTs to entangle with it instead of self-aggregation, so the MWNTs remain in the polymer network followed by in situ self-solidification. The OMAD method not only greatly enlarged the BET surface area of MWNTs incorporated monolithic column from 13.8 m² g⁻¹ to 85.5 m² g⁻¹ without a significant effect on the surface chemistry of the MWNTs, but also improved the dispersion of MWNTs making its content up to 5 wt% (with respect to monomers). The synthesized materials combine the favorable attributes of both high permeability and large surface area, making them excellent candidates for on-line separation and enrichment of proteins. The oligomer matrix-assisted dispersion MWNTs incorporated monolithic columns (OMAD-MMC) exhibited higher enrichment factors and the adsorption capacity is about 5-fold for basic proteins compared with MWNTs incorporated monolithic columns (MMC) prepared by the conventional in situ polymerization. The practical application of OMAD-MMC was proven by selective extraction of hemoglobin in human whole blood samples with SDS-PAGE. On the basis of the results, OMAD as a simple and effective method for dispersion high content MWNTs into monolithic columns shows great promise.