Cyclodextrin-functionalized cellulose filter paper for selective capture of diclofenac

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Pharmaceuticals and personal care products are emerging contaminants in water.
• Developing cost-effective and sustainable materials for water remediation is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a cellulose filter paper modified with beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) for drug uptake and elution.
• To evaluate the material's efficiency in removing specific drugs from aqueous solutions under various conditions.

Main Methods:

• Grafting of β-cyclodextrin derivative (β-CD-NMA) onto cellulose filter paper via Fenton's reaction.
• Characterization using ATR-FTIR, SEM, and mechanical testing.
• Adsorption and elution experiments with ciprofloxacin and diclofenac in saline media.

Main Results:

• The β-CD-grafted cellulose paper selectively and effectively captured diclofenac (up to 60 mg g⁻¹).
• Ciprofloxacin adsorption was similar for both modified and unmodified papers.
• Effective diclofenac elution was achieved using acetonitrile:NaOH solution, with potential for material reusability.

Conclusions:

• The developed CD-grafted cellulose paper is a promising, low-cost material for bioremediation and analytical applications.
• The material demonstrates high selectivity for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in complex matrices.
• Efficient drug recovery and material reusability support its practical application in water purification.