Molecularly Imprinted Membrane Produced by Electrospinning for β-Caryophyllene Extraction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• β-caryophyllene is a valuable compound with diverse applications.
• Developing selective and efficient methods for its detection and extraction is crucial.
• Existing methods may lack specificity or require complex procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a molecularly imprinted membrane (MIM-βCP) for selective recognition and extraction of β-caryophyllene.
• To investigate the structural integrity and performance of the developed membrane.
• To explore potential applications of the MIM-βCP in various fields.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of β-caryophyllene molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (βCP-NP) using precipitation polymerization.
• Incorporation of βCP-NP into polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers via electrospinning to form MIM-βCP.
• Characterization of the MIM-βCP using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
• Evaluation of MIM-βCP functionalization and binding capacity using Gas Chromatography (GC).

Main Results:

• Successful fabrication of MIM-βCP with confirmed nanoparticle incorporation.
• Achieved a high binding capacity of 1.80 ± 0.05 μmol/cm² for β-caryophyllene.
• Demonstrated high selectivity, extracting 77% of β-caryophyllene from a mixture in 5 minutes.
• Confirmed the potential for molecular sieve and biosensor applications.

Conclusions:

• The electrospun MIM-βCP is an effective material for selective β-caryophyllene detection and extraction.
• The developed membrane holds promise for applications in molecular sieves, biosensors, and counterfeit detection.
• This methodology offers a foundation for future advancements in smart materials and targeted extraction technologies.