Exploring Solid Magnetic Liposomes for Organic Pollutant Removal from Wastewater: The Role of Lipid Composition

Solid magnetic liposomes (ML, nanocomposites comprising lipid bilayers that incorporate magnetic nanoparticles) may be used in wastewater remediation: the lipid bilayer creates an environment where organic pollutants preferentially partition instead of water and the manipulation of ML with an external magnet enables an easy recovery from water. This study aimed to assess the system's potential for water remediation, focusing on ML ability to remove common pollutants in industrial wastewater. Specifically, alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO) were used as the archetype for organic pollutants. Superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles and various ML formulations (neutral, cationic, anionic, asymmetric or not) were prepared using two different methodologies and extensively characterized from a physicochemical point of view. The nature of their interaction between magnetite nanoparticles and lipids was also investigated through theoretical calculations. Finally, ML ability in APEO removal was evaluated, as well as the recyclability of the system. ML demonstrated effectiveness in APEO removal, with neutral ML exhibiting the highest results (>80%). Correlations were established among ML's physicochemical properties, composition, and pollutant removal efficacy. The success of the system constitutes a proof of principle, suggesting its applicability to removing different organic pollutants from wastewaters, making it a versatile approach to water remediation.