Polymer Bulletin, Vol.76, No.8, 4313-4334, 2019
Development of quercetin imprinted membranes-based PVDF substrate
Molecular imprinting becomes the most outstanding approach in providing predetermined selectivity to the molecule of interest through the introduction of artificial recognition sites within the polymer matrix. This study presents the fabrication of quercetin-imprinted membranes (QIMs) for selective extraction of quercetin through surface imprinting polymerization method. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was used as the polymer support for thethermal polymerization process to take placeand subsequent removal of quercetin from resultantpolymer matrixleaves behind specific cavities that are complementary to the size, shape and functionality of quercetin molecules. QIMs and non-imprinted membranes were synthesized to evaluate and characterize the differences with respect to their morphology, chemical functionality as well as their binding behaviour towards quercetin and other components. The confirmation on the presence of imprinted layer on PVDF membrane was done through FTIR, FESEM and AFM analysis. Modelling of isotherm and kinetic adsorption also was performed to provide detailed insight into the adsorption mechanism of quercetinto the membranes. Membraneselectivity test was carried out using sinensetin and rosmarinic acid as competitive components.
Keywords:Molecular imprinted polymers;Quercetin;Surface imprinting polymerization;Adsorption mechanism