Molecular imprinting of a cellulose/silica composite with caffeine and its characterization

A molecularly imprinted “paper” (MIP) based on molecular imprinting of caffeine on cellulose/silica composites was successfully produced. Several techniques such as diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS), transmission Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy using demountable path length cell, liquid-phase adsorption rate measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and BET specific surface area tests were used to characterize these MIP composites. These materials not only show enhanced binding capabilities towards the template molecules (caffeine) in comparison to blank experiments, but also were found to discriminate between theophylline and caffeine with relatively good selectivity. A cellulose:silica ratio of 4:2 was found to be close to optimal.