A device and method for extracting nanobio-magnetite from marine sediments

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of nano biomagnetite extraction devices in marine sediments, including first container, second container, filter membrane and magnetic adsorption component;First container and second container are equipped with communicating port, and the communicating port of first container and the communicating port of second container are docked, to form detachable sealed communication part;Filter membrane is arranged in sealed communication part, and filter membrane is used to separate the internal space of first container and second container;Magnetic adsorption component includes magnet bar and protective sleeve, and protective sleeve is sleeved on the outside of magnet bar;First container is used to accommodate sediment suspension to be treated, and second container is used to accommodate magnetic adsorption component, and magnetic adsorption component is used to adsorb nano biomagnetite in sediment suspension that passes through filter membrane.Extraction device forms detachable sealed communication part by the docking of first container and second container, and filter membrane is arranged in communication part to realize space separation and particle size screening, and magnetic adsorption component with protective sleeve is matched to form directional adsorption structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine biomagnetite extraction technology, and in particular to a device and method for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments. Background Technology

[0002] Biomagnetosomes are nanoscale biomagnetic minerals formed by intracellular biomineralization of magnetotactic bacteria. They are typically arranged in chains, with sizes ranging from 50 to 200 nanometers, and possess unique advantages such as high chemical purity and good dispersibility. Studying nanoscale biomagnetic minerals in marine sediments is of great significance for exploring fundamental scientific questions such as the origin of life and elucidating the mechanisms of biomineralization. It can also promote innovative applications in fields such as nanomaterials, medical diagnosis and treatment, and environmental remediation.

[0003] In the deep-sea environment, nanobiomagnetic minerals are important carriers of the biogeochemical iron cycle, and have irreplaceable value in studying the response patterns of deep-sea microorganisms and the effects of the iron cycle under the background of climate change. However, nanobiomagnetic minerals in deep-sea sediments often coexist with natural magnetic minerals such as detrital magnetite formed by river input, dust input, and volcanic ash input. They must be efficiently separated before precise physicochemical properties can be studied.

[0004] Existing extraction technologies have significant drawbacks: conventional magnetic separation methods indiscriminately extract magnetic minerals from sediments, failing to separate nano-biomagnetite from micron-sized detrital magnetite, thus hindering effective quantification and systematic chemical property analysis of nano-biomagnetite; while chemical extraction can enrich biomagnetite, it destroys its original morphology and crystal structure, failing to preserve complete material properties and hindering subsequent structural investigation and application development. Therefore, a non-destructive, efficient, and precise extraction technology for nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the problems raised in the background technology, the purpose of this invention is to provide an extraction device and method for nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments, which solves the problems that existing technologies cannot separate nano-biomagnetite from micron-sized detrital magnetite and that chemical extraction easily damages the original morphology and crystal structure of minerals.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A device for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments includes a first container, a second container, a filter membrane, and a magnetic adsorption component; Both the first container and the second container are provided with a communication port, and the communication port of the first container and the communication port of the second container are connected to form a detachable sealed communication part; The filter membrane is disposed within the sealed communication portion, and the filter membrane is used to separate the internal spaces of the first container and the second container; The magnetic adsorption assembly includes a magnetic rod and a protective sleeve, with the protective sleeve fitted over the outside of the magnetic rod. The first container is used to contain the sediment suspension to be treated, and the second container is used to contain the magnetic adsorption component, which is used to adsorb nano-biomagnetite that has passed through the filter membrane in the sediment suspension.

[0007] Preferably, the pore size of the filter membrane is 1 μm.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes a snap-fit ​​connection structure, which includes a snap-fit ​​arm and a snap-fit ​​base; One end of the snap-fit ​​arm is fixedly connected to the outer side wall of the first container, and the other end of the snap-fit ​​arm extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the communication port to form a snap-fit. The snap-fit ​​seat is disposed on the outer side wall of the second container. When the first container and the second container are installed together, the snap-fit ​​seat engages with the snap-fit ​​opening.

[0009] Preferably, the outer walls of the first container and the second container are respectively provided with locking lugs, and the outer periphery of the locking lugs is provided with annular grooves; It also includes a rubber locking ring. When the first container and the second container are installed together, the rubber locking ring is arranged around the annular groove of the locking lug of the two containers. The elastic contraction force of the rubber locking ring makes the sealing connection part fit tightly.

[0010] Preferably, at least two locking lugs are provided on the outer side walls of the first container and the second container respectively; When the first container and the second container are installed together, the locking lugs on the first container and the second container are positioned at the same height, and the pair of locking lugs at the same height are engaged by the same rubber locking ring.

[0011] Preferably, the first container, the second container, and the protective sleeve are made of Teflon.

[0012] Preferably, the connection port of the first container is located near the bottom of the first container, and the connection port of the second container is located near the bottom of the second container.

[0013] A method for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments, using the aforementioned extraction apparatus, includes the following steps: (1) Grind the deep-sea sediment into 200-mesh powder, and mix the powder with pure water to form a mixture; (2) The mixture is subjected to ultrasonic vibration; (3) Add a chemical dispersant to the ultrasonically vibrated mixture and continue ultrasonic treatment to obtain a sediment suspension; (4) Install the filter membrane into the communication port of the first container and / or the second container, and connect the first container and the second container to form a sealed communication part; (5) Place the sediment suspension in the first container; place the magnetic adsorption assembly in the second container; (6) The extraction device is subjected to ultrasonic and static cyclic treatment; (7) The nano-biomagnetite in the sediment suspension passes through the filter membrane and is adsorbed onto the surface of the protective sleeve; (8) After the filtration and adsorption are completed, the magnetic adsorption component is taken out and the magnetic rod is taken out from the protective sleeve. The nano-biomagnetite falls off the surface of the protective sleeve, and the extraction is completed.

[0014] Preferably, in step (1), 600 mg of 200-mesh powder is taken and added to 100 mL of pure water; In step (2), ultrasonic vibration is performed for 30 minutes; In step (3), add 2-3 mL of 0.05 M sodium hexametaphosphate to the mixture and continue sonication for 10 minutes.

[0015] Preferably, in step (6), the ultrasonic and static cycle parameters are: 30 minutes of ultrasonic vibration and 30 minutes of static rest are used as one cycle, and the cycle is continuously repeated for 8 hours.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, one of the above technical solutions has the following beneficial effects: 1. The extraction device forms a detachable sealed connecting part by connecting the first container and the second container, and sets a filter membrane in the connecting part to achieve spatial separation and particle size screening, and forms a directional adsorption structure with a magnetic adsorption component with a protective sleeve; 2. The extraction method relies on a dedicated extraction device. The pretreatment involves grinding and mixing the sediment, ultrasonic dispersion, and adding a chemical dispersant to fully break down the mineral particle agglomerates and completely dissociate and disperse the nano-biomagnetite. Combined with the standardized process of device assembly, sample placement, ultrasonic-static circulation treatment, and magnetic adsorption collection, and the structural advantages of the device's filter membrane grading and screening and the non-destructive enrichment of the magnetic adsorption component, the integrated operation of screening, sedimentation, adsorption, and collection is achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the extraction device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetic adsorption component of the extraction device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first container of the extraction device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second container of the extraction device of the present invention; Figure 5 These are magnetic minerals extracted using traditional methods and observed under scanning electron microscopes and transmission electron microscopes. Figure 6 These are magnetic minerals extracted using traditional methods and observed under scanning electron microscopes and transmission electron microscopes. Figure 7 The nano-biomagnetite obtained by the extraction method of this invention was observed under a transmission electron microscope; Figure 8 The nano-biomagnetite obtained by the extraction method of this invention was observed under a transmission electron microscope.

[0018] The components include: a first container 1, a second container 2, a connecting port 0, a sealed connecting part 00, a filter membrane 3, a magnetic adsorption assembly 4, a magnetic rod 41, a protective sleeve 42, a snap-fit ​​connection structure 5, a snap-fit ​​arm 51, a bayonet 510, a snap-fit ​​seat 52, a locking lug 6, and an annular groove 61. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0020] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0021] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first," "second," and "third" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.

[0022] It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 8 The technical solution of the present invention will be further illustrated through specific embodiments.

[0024] A device for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments includes a first container 1, a second container 2, a filter membrane 3, and a magnetic adsorption component 4. Both the first container 1 and the second container 2 are provided with a communication port 0. The communication port of the first container 1 and the communication port of the second container 2 are connected to form a detachable sealed communication part 00. The filter membrane 3 is disposed within the sealed communication portion 00, and the filter membrane 3 is used to separate the internal spaces of the first container 1 and the second container 2. The magnetic adsorption component 4 includes a magnetic rod 41 and a protective sleeve 42, with the protective sleeve 42 fitted over the outside of the magnetic rod 41. The first container 1 is used to contain the sediment suspension to be treated, and the second container 2 is used to contain the magnetic adsorption component 4, which is used to adsorb the nano-biomagnetite that has passed through the filter membrane 3 in the sediment suspension.

[0025] This invention provides a device for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments, which can effectively solve the technical problems of conventional magnetic separation methods being unable to separate nano- and micro-scale magnetic minerals and chemical extraction methods destroying the original morphology and crystal structure of nano-biomagnetite, thus achieving non-destructive, efficient, and high-purity extraction of nano-biomagnetite.

[0026] This device mainly includes a first container 1, a second container 2, a filter membrane 3, and a magnetic adsorption assembly 4. Both the first container 1 and the second container 2 are provided with a connecting port 0. The two containers are connected to each other through the connecting port 0 to form a detachable sealed connecting part 00. This sealed connecting part 00 ensures that the sediment suspension remains in a closed and stable environment throughout the extraction process, effectively preventing solution leakage, sample contamination, or interference from external impurities, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of experimental results. Simultaneously, the detachable connection structure facilitates the rapid installation and replacement of the filter membrane 3, as well as the cleaning and reuse of the container interior, significantly improving the ease of operation and practicality of the device, and enabling it to meet the batch processing needs of deep-sea sediment samples.

[0027] The filter membrane 3 is installed inside the sealed connecting part 00, completely separating the internal spaces of the first container 1 and the second container 2, forming a physical sieving structure. During the extraction process, micron-sized detrital magnetite and large-particle mineral impurities in the sediment suspension cannot pass through the filter membrane 3 due to particle size limitations and are stably retained in the first container 1; only nano-biomagnetite with the required particle size can successfully pass through the filter membrane 3 and enter the area of ​​the second container 2, thereby achieving precise classification and separation of nano-biomagnetite from other magnetic minerals at the physical size level. This fundamentally overcomes the shortcomings of traditional magnetic separation methods, such as indiscriminate extraction and the inability to effectively quantify and systematically analyze the chemical properties of nano-biomagnetite.

[0028] The magnetic adsorption component 4 consists of a magnetic rod 41 and a protective sleeve 42. The protective sleeve 42 is fitted over the magnetic rod 41 to form an isolated adsorption structure. In operation, the magnetic rod 41 provides a stable and uniform magnetic field, which efficiently adsorbs the nano-biomagnetite that has passed through the filter membrane 3 onto the outer surface of the protective sleeve 42, achieving directional capture and enrichment. The protective sleeve 42 completely isolates the magnetic rod 41 from the sediment suspension, preventing the magnetic rod from being corroded or contaminated by the solution. At the same time, it prevents the magnetic rod 41 from directly contacting the nano-biomagnetite, thus preserving the original chain-like arrangement, complete crystal structure, and material properties of the nano-biomagnetite to the greatest extent. This achieves truly non-destructive extraction and solves the problem that chemical extraction methods damage the morphology and structure of the sample and cannot support subsequent material science research.

[0029] In this device, the first container 1 is specifically used to hold the sediment suspension to be treated, and the second container 2 is specifically used to place the magnetic adsorption component 4. The functional areas are clearly defined and do not interfere with each other. It can be used in conjunction with ultrasonic treatment to achieve continuous dispersion, sieving and adsorption, significantly improving extraction efficiency and product purity. It can fully meet the needs of deep-sea biogeochemical research, nanomaterial development, medical diagnosis and treatment and other fields for high-purity, non-destructive nano-biomagnetic minerals.

[0030] Furthermore, the filter membrane 3 has a pore size of 1 μm.

[0031] The extraction device of this invention targets nano-biomagnetite particles with a diameter of 50-200 nm, while impurities such as detrital magnetite mixed in deep-sea sediments are mostly micron-sized particles. Using a filter membrane with a 1 μm pore size allows for precise particle size separation. This filter membrane 3 is installed within the sealed connection 00 between the first container 1 and the second container 2. While separating the internal spaces of the two containers, it can strictly trap micron-sized detrital magnetite and large mineral impurities in the sediment suspension, allowing only nano-biomagnetite particles that meet the particle size requirements to smoothly pass through the filter membrane 3 into the second container 2. This prevents large magnetic mineral particles from mixing into the extract, achieving high-purity separation of nano-biomagnetite from a physical sieving level.

[0032] The 1μm pore size balances sieving accuracy and fluid permeability, preventing impurities from penetrating due to excessively large pores and avoiding obstruction of nano-biomagnetite passage due to excessively small pores. Combined with the magnetic adsorption component 4, it achieves efficient and stable directional adsorption, effectively improving extraction efficiency and product purity. This design completely solves the sample contamination problem caused by the indiscriminate extraction of conventional magnetic separation, ensuring the integrity of the morphology and structure of the nano-biomagnetite in the extract, providing a pure and reliable sample basis for subsequent quantitative analysis, crystal structure observation, and materials science property research.

[0033] Furthermore, it also includes a snap-fit ​​connection structure 5, which includes a snap-fit ​​arm 51 and a snap-fit ​​base 52; One end of the snap-fit ​​arm 51 is fixedly connected to the outer side wall of the first container 1, and the other end of the snap-fit ​​arm 51 extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the communication port 0 to form a snap-fit ​​510. The snap-fit ​​seat 52 is disposed on the outer side wall of the second container 2. When the first container 1 and the second container 2 are installed together, the snap-fit ​​seat 52 engages with the snap-fit ​​opening 510.

[0034] This invention fixes a snap-fit ​​arm 51 to the outer side wall of the first container 1, and a snap-fit ​​seat 52 is correspondingly disposed on the outer side wall of the second container 2. The other end of the snap-fit ​​arm 51 extends along the direction parallel to the axis of the connecting port to form a snap-fit ​​510. When the two containers are docked, the snap-fit ​​seat 510 and the snap-fit ​​seat 52 can be precisely aligned and engaged, allowing for rapid assembly and positioning without additional calibration, significantly improving the assembly efficiency of the device and effectively avoiding the problem of sealing failure due to docking deviation. After the snap-fit ​​engagement, the snap-fit ​​arm 51 and the snap-fit ​​seat 52 can provide a continuous fastening force for the two containers along the axis of the connecting port 0, keeping the sealed connecting part 00 in a tight fit. This structurally strengthens the sealing performance of the sealed connecting part, preventing leakage and overflow of the sediment suspension during the extraction process, while also preventing external impurities from entering the container and contaminating the sample, ensuring that the extraction experiment can be carried out stably in a closed and clean environment.

[0035] The snap-fit ​​connection structure 5 is a detachable, purely mechanical connection that allows for engagement and disassembly without the need for auxiliary tools. This facilitates quick assembly and disassembly of the filter membrane 3, cleaning of the container's inner wall, and replacement of experimental samples during experiments, significantly improving the device's operational flexibility and reusability. Under ultrasonic-static cyclic processing conditions, the snap-fit ​​structure resists the loosening effects caused by ultrasonic vibration, maintaining the connection stability between the first container 1 and the second container 2. This prevents gaps from appearing in the sealed connection 00 due to vibration, ensuring the continuous and reliable process of filter membrane 3 sieving and magnetic adsorption component 4 enrichment, and improving the stability and repeatability of the nano-biological magnetite extraction experiment.

[0036] Furthermore, the outer walls of the first container 1 and the second container 2 are respectively provided with locking lugs 6, and the outer periphery of the locking lugs 6 is provided with an annular groove 61; It also includes a rubber locking ring. When the first container 1 and the second container 2 are installed together, the rubber locking ring is arranged around the annular groove 61 of the locking lugs of the two containers. The elastic contraction force of the rubber locking ring makes the sealing connection part 00 fit tightly.

[0037] Locking lugs 6 are fixedly installed on the outer walls of the first container 1 and the second container 2 respectively. When the two containers are docked, the locking lugs 6 correspond and match each other. The annular groove 61 on the outer periphery of the locking lugs 6 can form a precise limit and positioning constraint on the rubber locking ring, effectively preventing the rubber locking ring from shifting or slipping during assembly, ultrasonic vibration or static placement, ensuring that the elastic locking force acts stably and continuously on the first container 1 and the second container 2, so that the sealing connection part 00 of the two containers is continuously docked, ensuring the sealing requirements during use.

[0038] The rubber locking ring is engaged in the annular groove 61 of the corresponding locking lug 6. Relying on its own constant elastic contraction force, it applies a tightening force to the first container 1 and the second container 2 from the outside of the container, forcing the mating surfaces of the sealing connection part 00 to remain in a tight fit. This further compensates for any possible gaps in the snap-fit ​​connection structure 5, significantly enhancing the sealing performance of the sealing connection part 00 from a structural perspective. This prevents leakage and seepage of the sediment suspension during the extraction process, while effectively blocking external impurities from entering the container and contaminating the sample, thus maintaining the airtightness and cleanliness of the extraction environment.

[0039] Under ultrasonic-static cycle processing, the elastic structure of the rubber locking ring buffers the impact of ultrasonic vibration, forming a double-locking guarantee with the snap-fit ​​connection structure 5. This effectively prevents the two containers from loosening or misaligning due to continuous vibration, ensuring that the filter membrane 3 remains stable within the sealed connection part 00, and guaranteeing that the accuracy of particle size sieving is not disturbed. This elastic locking structure can be quickly assembled and disassembled without the need for auxiliary tools, making operation simple and efficient. The positioning design of the annular groove 61 and the reusability of the rubber locking ring allow the device to be disassembled and used multiple times with a stable and reliable locking effect. The double-locking structure fundamentally solves the technical problems of easy loosening and insufficient sealing reliability of a single connection structure under ultrasonic conditions, ensuring a continuous and stable seal in the sealed connection part 00. This provides a stable structural foundation for the accurate sieving of the filter membrane 3 and the non-destructive adsorption of the magnetic adsorption component 4, ensuring a continuous and efficient extraction process of nano-biological magnetite, and improving the accuracy and repeatability of experimental results.

[0040] Furthermore, at least two locking lugs 6 are respectively provided on the outer side walls of the first container 1 and the second container 2; When the first container 1 and the second container 2 are installed together, the locking lugs 6 on the first container 1 and the second container 2 are arranged at the same height in pairs, and the pair of locking lugs 6 at the same height are engaged by the same rubber locking ring.

[0041] By setting at least two locking lugs 6 on the outer wall of the container and arranging them in pairs at the same height, multiple locking force points can be formed around the first container 1 and the second container 2. Compared with locking at a single position, the force on the mating end face of the two containers can be more uniform, effectively avoiding the problems of misalignment and excessive gaps in local contact that are easily caused by single-point locking. This ensures that the entire mating surface of the sealing connection part 00 can maintain a tight and uniform fit, structurally preventing leakage of the suspension and intrusion of external impurities. At the same time, a pair of locking lugs 6 at the same height are individually locked with a rubber locking ring, which can precisely control the elastic tightening force at each locking point, ensuring higher coaxial alignment accuracy when the two containers are installed together, preventing the containers from shifting or twisting, and thus stabilizing the filter membrane in the sealing connection part 00. This prevents the filter membrane 3 from becoming skewed, warped, or displaced, ensuring the filter membrane 3 always has a precise screening effect on nano-biological magnetite and micron-sized impurities.

[0042] During subsequent ultrasonic and static cyclic processing, the structure of multiple locking lugs 6 paired with independent rubber locking rings can disperse the stress impact generated by ultrasonic vibration, providing multi-point synergistic buffering and vibration reduction. This significantly reduces the risk of structural loosening caused by vibration, maintaining the tight connection between the two containers and the sealing reliability of the sealing connection for a long time, ensuring stable and highly repeatable extraction experimental conditions. Furthermore, the structure is neatly arranged and rationally stressed. During assembly and disassembly, the rubber locking rings can be assembled and disassembled one by one, making operation convenient. The balanced stress distribution reduces local stress concentration in the containers, extending the overall service life of the device and making it more suitable for the batch and multiple experimental processing needs of marine sediment samples.

[0043] Furthermore, the first container 1, the second container 2, and the protective sleeve 42 are made of Teflon.

[0044] Teflon possesses excellent corrosion and wear resistance, stable chemical inertness, and a smooth, regular surface. Its application in the first container 1 and the second container 2 allows it to withstand the corrosive effects of salt, organic matter, and various mineral components in marine sediment suspensions, preventing aging and damage and effectively extending the overall service life of the apparatus. Furthermore, the smooth inner walls prevent the adhesion of fine sediment particles, facilitating rapid cleaning after experiments and effectively avoiding cross-contamination between different batches of samples, ensuring the accuracy of experimental detection. Simultaneously, Teflon exhibits ultra-low surface adsorption, with extremely low surface energy and near-zero adsorption. The container inner walls show almost no adsorption of magnetite particles, minimizing the adhesion and retention of nano-biological magnetite particles on the container walls, preventing unnecessary loss of the target sample, and eliminating sample contamination caused by material adsorption of impurities, thus fully preserving the original component characteristics of the sediment suspension.

[0045] Furthermore, Teflon possesses excellent high-temperature resistance and ultrasonic stability. During prolonged ultrasonic-static cycling, the material structure is not prone to cracking or damage, and it does not release microplastics or other trace impurities into the suspension, maintaining the structural integrity and operational safety of the container and the entire device. The protective sleeve 42, made of Teflon and fitted over the magnet rod 41, reliably isolates the magnet rod 41 from the sediment suspension, preventing long-term immersion, oxidation, and corrosion that could affect magnetic field stability. Due to Teflon's non-adsorption and non-contamination properties of nano-biomagnetite, the nano-biomagnetite adsorbed on the outer wall of the protective sleeve 42 maintains its original chain-like arrangement and complete crystal structure, preventing structural damage and compositional modification—perfectly meeting the core requirement of non-destructive extraction. Moreover, the smooth surface of Teflon facilitates the natural detachment and collection of nano-biomagnetite from the protective sleeve 42, reducing sample residue and loss and improving sample recovery rate. Teflon material has good dimensional stability and is not easily deformed under ultrasonic conditions. It can always ensure the precision of the docking and fitting of the two containers and the sealing effect of the sealing connection, and stably maintain the screening state of the filter membrane. It provides a reliable material guarantee for the accurate, non-destructive and repeatable extraction of nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments.

[0046] Furthermore, the communication port 0 of the first container 1 is located near the bottom of the first container 1, and the communication port 0 of the second container 2 is located near the bottom of the second container 2.

[0047] Both nano-biomagnetite and micron-sized detrital mineral particles in deep-sea sediment suspensions naturally settle and accumulate to the bottom of the container during settling due to their own gravity. By placing the connecting port 0 near the bottom of the container, the mineral particles that settle and accumulate at the bottom can directly face the sealed connecting part 00 and the internal filter membrane 3, reaching the sieving position without needing to float upwards. This avoids the problem of bottom-sedimented particles being stuck and unable to participate in sieving due to the connecting port 0 being too high. Under the alternating ultrasonic and settling cycle, the ultrasonic action fully disperses and suspends the sediment particles. When the ultrasonic treatment is paused and the settling phase begins, the mineral particles quickly settle to the bottom of the first container 1. The connecting port 0, located near the bottom, allows the settled particles to flow directly through the filter membrane 3 for particle size classification and sieving. Micron-sized impurities are trapped by the filter membrane 3 and remain at the bottom of the first container 1, while the nano-biomagnetite smoothly passes through the filter membrane 3 into the second container 2. This greatly improves the participation of mineral particles in sieving and avoids the defects of sample waste and insufficient extraction.

[0048] Meanwhile, the placement of the connecting port 0 near the bottom allows the nano-biomagnetic minerals passing through the filter membrane 3 to directly enter the lower region of the second container 2. This region highly overlaps with the effective range of the magnetic adsorption component 4 built into the second container 2, shortening the interaction distance between the nano-biomagnetic minerals and the magnetic field. This facilitates the magnetic adsorption component 4 to quickly and fully capture the target minerals, further improving the enrichment and adsorption efficiency.

[0049] A method for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments, using the aforementioned extraction apparatus, includes the following steps: (1) Grind the deep-sea sediment into 200-mesh powder, and mix the powder with pure water to form a mixture; (2) The mixture is subjected to ultrasonic vibration; (3) Add a chemical dispersant to the ultrasonically vibrated mixture and continue ultrasonic treatment to obtain a sediment suspension; (4) Install the filter membrane 3 into the communication port 0 of the first container 1 and / or the second container 2, and connect the first container 1 and the second container 2 to form a sealed communication part 00; (5) Place the sediment suspension in the first container 1; place the magnetic adsorption component 4 in the second container 2; (6) The extraction device is subjected to ultrasonic and static cyclic treatment; (7) The nano-biomagnetite in the sediment suspension passes through the filter membrane 3 and is adsorbed onto the surface of the protective sleeve 42; (8) After the filtration and adsorption are completed, the magnetic adsorption component 4 is taken out and the magnet rod 41 is taken out from the protective sleeve 42. The nano-biomagnetite falls off the surface of the protective sleeve 42, and the extraction is completed.

[0050] This invention also provides a method for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments. Based on the aforementioned extraction device, it overcomes the drawbacks of low precision in conventional magnetic separation and the destruction of the original morphology and crystal structure of minerals by chemical extraction methods through standardized and sequential process steps, combined with the structural advantages of the device's dual-container sealing, filter membrane particle size sieving, and magnetic adsorption component isolation and enrichment. This method achieves the goal of non-destructive separation, high-purity enrichment, and high-recovery collection of nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments. The overall process is simple, controllable, and highly repeatable.

[0051] This method first grinds deep-sea sediments into 200-mesh powder and mixes them with pure water. Then, it uses ultrasonic vibration combined with a chemical dispersant for secondary ultrasonic treatment, which can fully disperse the aggregated mineral particles in the sediment matrix. This allows the nano-biomagnetite encased in the mud and detrital minerals to be completely dissociated and uniformly dispersed in the sediment suspension. This lays a good dispersion foundation for the subsequent precise screening by the filter membrane 3, effectively avoiding the problem that the nano-biomagnetite cannot effectively penetrate the filter membrane and the extraction recovery rate is low due to particle agglomeration.

[0052] By assembling the filter membrane 3 at the connection port 0 between the first container 1 and the second container 2 and completing the sealing assembly of the two containers, the separation structure of the sealed connection part 00 of the device and the particle size sieving effect of the filter membrane 3 can stably retain micron-sized detritus magnetite and large particle impurities, allowing only nano-biomagnetite to pass through the filter membrane 3 into the second container 2. This achieves precise classification and separation at the physical particle size level, eliminating the defects of traditional magnetic separation that indiscriminately adsorbs magnetic minerals.

[0053] The stepwise arrangement of placing the sediment suspension in the first container 1 and the magnetic adsorption component 4 in the second container 2 is in line with the inherent functional zoning structure of the device. This isolates the sample to be treated from the adsorption component, ensuring that only the target minerals after being screened by the filter membrane 3 can be captured by the magnetic field, thus guaranteeing the purity of the extract from the process. The ultrasonic and static settling cyclical process involves placing the assembled extraction device entirely within an external ultrasonic unit for operation. This eliminates the need for a built-in ultrasonic generator, simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing costs. The ultrasonic equipment used is an LC-BUC-150 ultrasonic cleaner with a fixed ultrasonic power of 360W and an ultrasonic frequency of 40kHz. These parameters are well-suited for dispersing and dissociating sediment suspensions. During the static settling process, the device's connection port 0 is positioned near the bottom of the container. Under gravity, the nano-biological magnetite naturally settles to the bottom, directly opposite the connection port 0 and filter membrane 3. The ultrasonic action then further disperses the suspended particles, cyclically increasing the probability of the nano-biological magnetite penetrating the filter membrane 3 and improving separation efficiency. Simultaneously, the Teflon material used in the device exhibits ultrasonic stability, preventing structural damage and the release of microplastics or other impurities under prolonged ultrasonic vibration. Furthermore, its ultra-low adsorption properties prevent magnetite particles from being adsorbed and retained by the container walls, reducing sample loss and external contamination.

[0054] The nano-biomagnetite passing through the filter membrane 3 is stably adsorbed onto the surface of the protective sleeve 42. The protective sleeve 42's structural design, which isolates the magnet rod 41 from the suspension, allows for directional enrichment using the magnetic field of the magnet rod 41 while preventing corrosion and sample contamination. The Teflon protective sleeve 42 is chemically inert and does not react with the sample components, preserving the original chain-like arrangement and crystal structure of the nano-biomagnetite, achieving truly non-destructive extraction. After extraction, simply remove the magnetic adsorption component 4 and separate the magnet rod 41; the nano-biomagnetite will naturally detach and be collected from the smooth surface of the protective sleeve 42, eliminating the need for chemical elution. This simple operation results in minimal sample residue, further preserving the original physicochemical properties of the sample.

[0055] This method requires no highly corrosive chemical reagents for extraction, has a simple process flow and low operating threshold. It leverages the structural advantages of a dedicated device to achieve integrated operation of sieving, sedimentation, adsorption and collection. The extracted nano-biomagnetite has high purity and complete structure, which can fully meet the scientific research and application needs in fields such as exploring the origin of life, elucidating the mechanism of biomineralization, developing nanomaterials and environmental remediation.

[0056] Furthermore, in step (1), 600 mg of 200-mesh powder is taken and added to 100 mL of pure water; In step (2), ultrasonic vibration is performed for 30 minutes; In step (3), add 2-3 mL of 0.05 M sodium hexametaphosphate to the mixture and continue sonication for 10 minutes.

[0057] By limiting the solid-liquid ratio to 600mg of 200-mesh deep-sea sediment powder and 100mL of pure water, the concentration of the mixture is moderate and the rheological properties of the suspension are suitable. This ratio will not cause the particles to agglomerate and become less fluid due to excessive solid content, thus hindering the subsequent migration and sieving of particles to the connecting port and filter membrane; nor will it cause the sample concentration to be too low and the extraction efficiency to decrease due to excessive liquid content.

[0058] Setting the initial ultrasonic vibration treatment time to 30 minutes can fully utilize ultrasound to disperse flocculent aggregates and matrix clumps in sediment powder, break the binding forces between mud and sand minerals, and initially disperse the nano-biomagnetite mixed inside the sediment. Moreover, the ultrasonic duration is reasonably controlled, and the original chain morphology and crystal structure of the nano-biomagnetite will not be damaged due to excessive vibration time, thus balancing the dispersion effect and the requirement of non-destructive extraction.

[0059] Sodium hexametaphosphate (SHP) at a concentration of 0.05 M was selected as the chemical dispersant, with an addition amount limited to 2-3 mL. SHP possesses excellent inorganic dispersion stability and can adsorb onto the surface of mineral particles, generating electrostatic repulsion. This effectively eliminates the flocculation and adsorption effects between fine particles, completely breaking down the agglomeration and entanglement of nano-biomagnetite with detrital minerals and sediment particles. The precise concentration and dosage design fully utilizes the dispersion and dissociation effects while avoiding the introduction of exogenous impurities due to excessive dispersant. Furthermore, SHP is chemically stable, does not react chemically with Teflon containers and protective sleeves, will not corrode the device structure, and will not cause sample contamination. Subsequent 10-minute ultrasonic treatment allows the dispersant to fully mix and penetrate the mixture, further enhancing the particle dispersion effect. This ensures that the nano-biomagnetite is completely and uniformly dispersed in the suspension, guaranteeing that during the ultrasonic-static cycle, the nano-biomagnetite can smoothly migrate with the liquid, pass through the filter membrane, and complete fractionation, avoiding sample loss due to particle agglomeration and retention by the filter membrane.

[0060] Further, in step (6), the ultrasonic and static cycle parameters are: 30 minutes of ultrasonic vibration and 30 minutes of static rest are used as one cycle, and the cycle is continuously cyclically processed for 8 hours.

[0061] The system employs a single-cycle unit consisting of 30 minutes of ultrasonication followed by 30 minutes of settling, a scientifically sound time ratio. During the ultrasonic vibration phase, the ultrasonic cavitation effect ensures the sediment suspension in the first container 1 remains uniformly suspended, preventing the agglomeration of fine mineral particles. This allows the nano-biomagnetic minerals mixed in the system to migrate freely with the fluid, fully reaching the sealed connection point 00 and the filter membrane. The settling phase fully utilizes the principle of gravity sedimentation, aligning with the device's layout where the connection point 0 is located near the bottom of the container. This allows mineral particles to naturally settle and converge at the bottom of the container, directly facing the screening area of ​​the filter membrane 3. This facilitates the smooth passage of the nano-biomagnetic minerals through the filter membrane 3 into the second container 2, while micron-sized detritus magnetite is stably retained on one side of the filter membrane 3, achieving continuous and precise particle size classification. This well-balanced single-cycle setup prevents damage to the original chain morphology and crystal structure of the nano-biomagnetic minerals due to excessive ultrasonic duration, and avoids localized particle accumulation due to inappropriate settling time, ensuring a continuous and stable screening process.

[0062] The 8-hour continuous cyclic processing is well-suited to the low content and dispersed nature of nano-biomagnetic minerals in marine sediments. Through alternating cycles of ultrasonic dispersion and static sedimentation over a long period, sufficient time is provided for the nano-biomagnetic minerals to migrate, penetrate the membrane, and be captured by the magnetic adsorption component 4. This maximizes the enrichment and collection of free nano-biomagnetic minerals in the sediment system, significantly improving sample extraction and recovery rates. Simultaneously, under prolonged ultrasonic conditions, the Teflon material used in the device exhibits excellent ultrasonic stability and structural integrity, preventing cracking or deformation due to continuous vibration and avoiding the release of microplastics or other impurities that could contaminate the sample. Combined with the double-fastening structure consisting of the snap-fit ​​connection structure 5, locking lugs 6, and rubber locking rings, the first container 1 and the second container 2 remain tightly connected throughout the long-term cyclic processing, ensuring no gaps or leakage at the sealed connection point 00, and maintaining a stable and unwavering installation position for the filter membrane 3, thus ensuring a stable screening and sealing environment throughout the entire process.

[0063] The standardized cyclic parameters make the extraction process conditions fixed and controllable, with strong consistency and repeatability of batch experiments. Under the premise of maintaining the undamaged structure of nano-biomagnetite and the sample free from contamination throughout the process, it can achieve efficient enrichment of low-content target minerals, which can fully meet the requirements of high-purity and high-integrity samples for subsequent physicochemical property detection, crystal structure analysis and related application research.

[0064] The technical principles of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific embodiments. These descriptions are merely for explaining the principles of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the invention in any way. Based on this explanation, those skilled in the art can readily conceive of other specific embodiments of the invention without inventive effort, and these embodiments will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments, characterized in that: Includes a first container, a second container, a filter membrane, and a magnetic adsorption assembly; Both the first container and the second container are provided with a communication port, and the communication port of the first container and the communication port of the second container are connected to form a detachable sealed communication part; The filter membrane is disposed within the sealed communication portion, and the filter membrane is used to separate the internal spaces of the first container and the second container; The magnetic adsorption assembly includes a magnetic rod and a protective sleeve, with the protective sleeve fitted over the outside of the magnetic rod. The first container is used to contain the sediment suspension to be treated, and the second container is used to contain the magnetic adsorption component, which is used to adsorb nano-biomagnetite that has passed through the filter membrane in the sediment suspension.

2. The device for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter membrane has a pore size of 1 μm.

3. The device for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a snap-fit ​​connection structure, which includes a snap-fit ​​arm and a snap-fit ​​base; One end of the snap-fit ​​arm is fixedly connected to the outer side wall of the first container, and the other end of the snap-fit ​​arm extends in a direction parallel to the axis of the communication port to form a snap-fit. The snap-fit ​​seat is disposed on the outer side wall of the second container. When the first container and the second container are installed together, the snap-fit ​​seat engages with the snap-fit ​​opening.

4. The device for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer walls of the first container and the second container are respectively provided with locking lugs, and the outer periphery of the locking lugs is provided with annular grooves; It also includes a rubber locking ring. When the first container and the second container are installed together, the rubber locking ring is arranged around the annular groove of the locking lug of the two containers. The elastic contraction force of the rubber locking ring makes the sealing connection part fit tightly.

5. The device for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments according to claim 4, characterized in that: At least two locking lugs are respectively provided on the outer side walls of the first container and the second container; When the first container and the second container are installed together, the locking lugs on the first container and the second container are positioned at the same height, and the pair of locking lugs at the same height are engaged by the same rubber locking ring.

6. The device for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first container, the second container, and the protective sleeve are all made of Teflon.

7. The device for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection port of the first container is located near the bottom of the first container, and the connection port of the second container is located near the bottom of the second container.

8. A method for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments, characterized in that, The extraction is carried out using the extraction apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, and includes the following steps: (1) Grind the deep-sea sediment into 200-mesh powder, and mix the powder with pure water to form a mixture; (2) The mixture is subjected to ultrasonic vibration; (3) Add a chemical dispersant to the ultrasonically vibrated mixture and continue ultrasonic treatment to obtain a sediment suspension; (4) Install the filter membrane into the communication port of the first container and / or the second container, and connect the first container and the second container to form a sealed communication part; (5) Place the sediment suspension in the first container; place the magnetic adsorption assembly in the second container; (6) The extraction device is subjected to ultrasonic and static cyclic treatment; (7) The nano-biomagnetite in the sediment suspension passes through the filter membrane and is adsorbed onto the surface of the protective sleeve; (8) After the filtration and adsorption are completed, the magnetic adsorption component is taken out and the magnetic rod is taken out from the protective sleeve. The nano-biomagnetite falls off the surface of the protective sleeve, and the extraction is completed.

9. The method for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step (1), take 600 mg of 200 mesh powder and add 100 mL of pure water; In step (2), ultrasonic vibration is performed for 30 minutes; In step (3), add 2-3 mL of 0.05 M sodium hexametaphosphate to the mixture and continue sonication for 10 minutes.

10. The method for extracting nano-biomagnetite from marine sediments according to claim 8, characterized in that: In step (6), the ultrasonic and static cycle parameters are: 30 minutes of ultrasonic vibration and 30 minutes of static rest are used as one cycle, and the cycle is continuously repeated for 8 hours.

Images