Membrane Emulsification Process as a Method for Obtaining Molecularly Imprinted Polymers.

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer selective molecular recognition capabilities.
• Thermoresponsive polymers exhibit temperature-dependent properties, enabling controlled interactions.
• Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental contaminant requiring effective detection and removal methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize a spherical and monodisperse thermoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymer (TSMIP) for BPA recognition.
• To evaluate the BPA binding capacity and thermocontrolled recognition of the synthesized TSMIP.
• To determine optimal conditions for BPA removal from aqueous media using the TSMIP.

Main Methods:

• Membrane emulsification (ME) for preparing monodisperse TSMIP particles.
• Polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide as a functional monomer.
• Synthesis of MIPs (MIP-1, MIP-2) and a non-imprinted polymer (NIP) with varying BPA content.
• Sorption studies to assess BPA binding capacity and kinetics at different temperatures.

Main Results:

• MIP-2 exhibited superior thermocontrolled recognition and higher BPA binding capacity compared to MIP-1 and NIP.
• Optimal BPA sorption was achieved at 35°C, near the polymer's phase transition temperature.
• MIP-2 demonstrated a BPA adsorption capacity of approximately 114.1 mg g⁻¹, 20% higher than MIP-1 and NIP.
• Kinetic studies showed faster and more efficient BPA sorption by MIP-2 at the optimal temperature.

Conclusions:

• The developed TSMIP, particularly MIP-2, is effective for selective and temperature-controlled BPA recognition and removal.
• The study highlights the potential of thermoresponsive MIPs for environmental monitoring and remediation.
• Optimizing temperature near the polymer's phase transition enhances BPA sorption efficiency.