Biomimetic fat cell (BFC) preparation and for lindane removal from aqueous solution

Fat tissue of organism can accumulate hydrophobic chemicals efficiently and the accumulation level has a positive correlation with fat quantity. In this work, based on this characteristic, an innovative agent, that is, biomimetic fat cell (BFC) has been synthesized with interfacial polymerization. BFC has a hydrophobic nucleolus-triolein and hydrophilic membrane-polyamide, through which water, carrying hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs), can pass. This process is followed by the accumulation of HOCs. BFC has 97.39% lindane removal ability. This is close to 98.12% lindane removal by powder active carbon (PAC) in aqueous solution and 7 mg/L initial concentration of lindane. BFC can be regenerated easily by organic solvent dialysis in comparison with high temperature or pressure used for PAC regeneration. Lindane removal by BFC may occur through two mechanisms: bioaccumulation by BFC nucleolus-triolein; and adsorption by BFC membrane. Bioaccumulation is the prevailing mechanism.