Removal of serotonin using poly (HEMA-MAT) nanostructures

Serotonin (5-hydroxytriptamin, 5-HT) which is an important neurotransmitter and involved in control and regulation of numerous functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems has been associated with several psychiatric disorders. Therefore, removal of serotonin is very important. Hence, poly (HEMA-MAT) nanostructures, novel affinity chromatography matrix for adsorption of serotonin synthesized and the optimum conditions for the adsorption of serotonin from aqueous solution were also determined in this study. Poly (HEMA-MAT) nanostructures were characterized by FTIR, SEM and elemental analysis. Maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 2901.36 mg/g and the adsorbed amounts per unit mass of nanostructures reached to a plateau value at about 500 ppm at pH 6.0. Up to 90% of the adsorbed serotonin was removed by using 1.5 M NaCl as elution agent. Poly(HEMA-MAT) nanostructures were also used for the adsorption of serotonin in banana and tomato. We concluded that poly (HEMA-MAT) nanostructures could be repeatedly applied for serotonin adsorption without significant losses in the adsorption capacity.