Leptothrix sp. sheaths modified with iron oxide particles: Magnetically responsive, high aspect ratio functional material.

Smart materials of biological origin are attracting a lot of attention nowadays, especially as catalysts, carriers or adsorbents. Among them, magnetically modified biomaterials are especially important due to their response to external magnetic field. This report demonstrates that naturally occurring micrometer sized, high aspect ratio material (native and autoclaved Leptothrix sp. sheaths) efficiently bind synthetically prepared magnetite and maghemite nanoparticles and their aggregates. Magnetic modification of Leptothrix sheaths enables to prepare a promising material for advanced biotechnology and environmental technology applications. The prepared magnetically responsive sheaths were tested as inexpensive adsorbent for crystal violet removal from aqueous solutions. The observed maximum adsorption capacity was 243.1mg of dye per 1g of adsorbent.