Adsorptive Removal of Heavy Metal Ions, Organic Dyes, and Pharmaceuticals by DNA–Chitosan Hydrogels

DNA–chitosan (DNA–CS) hydrogel was prepared by in situ complexation between oppositely charged DNA and chitosan polyelectrolytes via electrostatic cross-linking to study its adsorption characteristics. The DNA–chitosan hydrogel matrix contains (i) cationic (NH3+) and anionic (PO4–) sites for electrostatic binding with ionic species, (ii) -OH and -NH2 groups and heteroaromatic DNA nucleobases for chelation of heavy metal ions, and (iii) DNA double-helix for recognition and binding to small organic molecules of various structures and polarities. DNA–CS hydrogels efficiently bind with Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+ metal cations of significant environmental concern. Adsorption capacities of DNA–CS hydrogels for studied metal ions depend on hydrogel composition and pH of solution and reach ca. 50 mg/g at neutral pHs. Hydrogels with higher DNA contents show better adsorption characteristics and notably higher adsorption capacity to Hg2+ ions. Because of the co-existence of cationic and anionic macromolecules in the DNA–CS hydrogel, it demonstrates an affinity to both anionic (Congo Red) and cationic (Methylene Blue) dyes with moderate adsorption capacities of 12.6 mg/g and 29.0 mg/g, respectively. DNA–CS hydrogel can also be used for adsorptive removal of pharmaceuticals on conditions that their molecules are sufficiently hydrophobic and have ionogenic group(s). Facile preparation and multitarget adsorption characteristics of DNA–CS hydrogel coupled with sustainable and environmentally friendly characteristics render this system promising for environmental cleaning applications.