# Polymer-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as an Effective Tool for Histamine Extraction: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application

## TL;DR

Scientists created polymer-coated iron nanoparticles that effectively extract histamine from food, improving safety and quality.

## Contribution

A novel synthesis and optimization method for histamine-adsorbing magnetic nanoparticles is introduced.

## Key findings

- Optimized nanoparticles achieved histamine adsorption capacities up to 130.5 mg/g under ideal conditions.
- The particles showed high performance in soy sauce-mimicking buffers with adsorption up to 55 mg/g.
- Magnetic separation and reusability in salt-rich environments confirm practical potential for food safety.

## Abstract

Histamine accumulation in food products
poses significant health risks, necessitating efficient removal strategies
to ensure food safety and quality. This study presents the synthesis,
characterization, and optimization of poly­(acrylic acid-co-methacrylic acid)-coated iron oxide nanoparticles [ION@P­(AA-co-MAA)] as adsorbents for histamine extraction from food-mimicking
buffers. Using a combined Plackett–Burman and central composite
design approach, we identified the monomer-to-iron oxide nanoparticle
(IONP) ratio and polymerization temperature as critical synthesis
parameters significantly influencing nanoparticle size (hydrodynamic
diameter ranging from 182 to 801 nm), surface charge (ζ potential
from −39.1 to −23.8 mV), polymer coating thickness (weight
loss between 3.3% and 5.9%), and histamine adsorption capacity (77.3
to 130.5 mg/g under optimized conditions). The optimized ION@P­(AA-co-MAA) particles demonstrated high adsorption capacities,
up to 55 mg/g in soy sauce-mimicking buffer, with efficient magnetic
separation facilitated by their superparamagnetic properties. Adsorption
isotherm analysis revealed heterogeneous binding sites consistent
with polymer coating characteristics, while reusability tests confirmed
practical potential in salt-rich environments. This work advances
the development of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for histamine
removal, offering a scalable, reusable platform to enhance food safety
and support low-histamine food production.