In vitro studies of functionalized magnetic nanospheres for selective removal of a simulant biotoxin

In this study, the simulant biotoxin (biotinylated horseradish peroxidase) was efficiently removed from simple electrolyte solutions and blood using a highly selective complexation reaction (biotin-avidin). Sequestration of the biotoxin is realized with streptavidin-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles that selectively capture the biotoxin. Quantitative removal of the model toxin is achieved using an external magnetic field to trap the toxin-bound particles.