An enhanced recyclable 3D adsorbent for diverse bio-applications using biocompatible magnetic nanomulberry and cucurbituril composites.

Herein, we describe the synthesis of highly water-dispersible and biocompatible 3D adsorbents via a rapid two-step strategy employing a mesoporous magnetic nanomulberry-shaped Fe3O4 (MNM) on diatomaceous earth (DE) and cucurbituril (CB; MNM-DE-CB). Coating of CB on the surface of MNM-DE via hydrogen bonds not only enhanced the dispersibility of CB, but also improved the stability of MNM-DE. The ability of the adsorbent to remove dyes from water was investigated as a function of metal ions, solution pH, temperature, and concentration to determine optimum reaction conditions. Unlike MNM-DE, MNM-DE-CB exhibited highly efficient, rapid dye removal and recyclability in aqueous solution, and low cytotoxicity toward cancer cells in drug delivery tests. MNM-DE-CB is a promising green adsorbent with potential for diverse applications including water remediation, interface catalysis, bio-sample preparation, and drug delivery.