One step effective removal of Congo Red in chitosan nanoparticles by encapsulation

• The production of nanoparticles and the dye removal process was performed in one-step.
• Congo Red can be stored in a safe manner within the chitosan nanoparticles.
• Chitosan is an economical, abundant, non-toxic and biodegradable biopolymer.
• Removal of Congo Red was achieved by a rapid and efficient method.

Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared with ionotropic gelation between chitosan and tripolyphosphate for the removal of Congo Red. The production of chitosan nanoparticles and the dye removal process was carried out in one-step. The removal efficiency of Congo Red by encapsulation within chitosan from the aqueous solution and its storage stability are examined at different pH values. The influence of some parameters such as the initial dye concentration, pH value of the dye solution, electrolyte concentration, tripolyphosphate concentration, mixing time and speed on the encapsulation is examined. Congo Red removal efficiency and encapsulation capacity of chitosan nanoparticles were determined as above 98% and 5107 mg Congo Red/g chitosan, respectively.

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