A smart method for the fast and low-cost removal of biogenic amines from beverages by means of iron oxide nanoparticles

Paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have been synthetized and covered by a silica shell for a dual function: SiO2 capping improves the stability of the nanoparticles and at the same time promotes the bonding between the paramagnetic nanoparticles@SiO2 (MNPs@SiO2) and biogenic amines. The constituents of the paramagnetic nanoparticles have been identified to be magnetite and maghemite by Infrared and Raman spectroscopy; these optical investigations also allow confirmation of the key role of the capping layer in the interaction with the amines. The magnetic adducts with the biogenic amines can be removed simply and rapidly through the application of weak magnetic fields. The observation of the quickness and ease of biogenic amine elimination has prompted us to check the application of this new approach to real commercial wine samples containing these toxic fermentation products: their complete removal has been observed by absorption spectra, thus confirming the potential of this novel approach in agroindustrial areas and agribusiness.