Preparation of molecularly imprinted nanospheres by premix membrane emulsification technique

A novel method for the preparation of molecularly imprinted nanospheres is presented by premix membrane emulsification technique. On the example of chloramphenicol (CAP), the imprinted nanospheres were prepared using methacrylic acid (MAA) as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as cross-linker. The synthesis conditions of the nanospheres were optimized. When the membrane pore size is 1.4 μm, transmembrane pressure is 2.00 MPa, transmembrane numbers are 5 times and the volume ratios of oil–water in the coarse emulsions is 1:20, the resulted nanospheres are relatively uniform and their sizes are between 300–800 nm. Furthermore, the effect of the ratio of CAP–MAA on imprinting performance was investigated, and the selective adsorption experiment indicates that the imprinted nanospheres have good selectivity for CAP. Additionally, adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm of the imprinted nanospheres exhibit that the adsorption equilibrium time is around 60 min and the maximum theoretical static binding capacity is up to 158.78 mg g−1.

Graphical AbstractA novel method for the preparation of molecularly imprinted nanospheres is presented by premix membrane emulsification technique. On the example of chloramphenicol (CAP), the imprinted nanospheres were prepared using methacrylic acid (MAA) as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) as cross-linker. The synthesis conditions of the nanospheres were optimized. When the membrane pore size is 1.4 μm, transmembrane pressure is 2.00 MPa, transmembrane numbers are 5 times and the volume ratios of oil to water in the coarse emulsions is 1:20, the resulted nanospheres are relatively uniform and their sizes are between 300–800 nm. Furthermore, the effect of the ratio of CAP–MAA on imprinting performance was investigated, and the selective adsorption experiment indicates that the imprinted nanospheres have good selectivity for CAP. Additionally, adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm of the imprinted nanospheres exhibit that the adsorption equilibrium time is around 60 min and the maximum theoretical static binding capacity is up to 158.78 mg g−1.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (307 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► We prepared the uniform imprinted nanospheres by premix membrane emulsification.
► We demonstrated the nanospheres possess good selectivity and high adsorption capacity.
► We investigated effects of several key factors on the preparation of emulsion.