Characterization of molecularly imprinted and nonimprinted polymer submicron particles specifically tailored for removal of trace 17β‐estradiol in water treatment

Abstract

This study investigated the potential use of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) submicron particles for the selective removal of trace 17b-estradiol (E2) in water treatment. Methacrylate-based MIP submicron particles were synthesized, in a one-step suspension polymerization procedure, using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as the cross-linker. After template removal, the particles could be used as a smart material for specific binding of E2. The submicron size of MIP particles facilitated uniform dispersion in water for up to 17 days. These particles were meritorious in mass transfer behavior, allowing phase partitioning of E2 molecules in water during a short treatment time. After 1-mL water samples of different E2 concentrations were treated with 20 mg of MIP particles for 2 min, recovery percentages as high as 97% 6 3% were achieved. The specific binding capacity of these MIP particles was determined to be 15 mg E2/g. Nonimprinted polymer nanoparticles were also evaluated for nonspecific binding of E2, using 0.5 mg in 1 mL of water, to attain 64% 6 3% efficiency in 3 min towards general water treatment. A simple capillary electrophoresis method was successfully developed for the characterization of MIP and NIP particles. Apparently the less negative the electrophoretic mobility, the higher binding efficiency and faster binding kinetics the particles would exhibit with E2 due to less hindered Brownian diffusion.

Evaluation of Non-Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles for Removal of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds from Surface Water and Wastewater

“…This was necessary to increase the solubility of the EDCs in water to study the higher range of concentrations. EDCs typically have very low solubilities in water and E2 has a solubility of only 13 mg/L (Lai et al, 2010). Therefore to test concentrations of up to 100 ppm, addition of methanol was necessary.…”

“…(Lai et al, 2010) The polymers were dewatered using a centrifuge (Revolutionary Science; Lindstrom, USA), at 10,000 RPM, dried at 104 o C overnight, and ground manually. The particles were then rinsed four times with acetonitrile (Fisher; Ottawa, Canada) and once with water and dried before use.…”

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Submicron Particles Tailored for Extraction of Trace Estrogens in Water

“…The polymerized colloid turned milky white in color, yielding submicron particles in abundance [64] . The polymerized colloid turned milky white in color, yielding submicron particles in abundance [64] .…”

Preparation of molecularly imprinted polymer for methylene blue and study on its molecular recognition mechanism

“…Nevertheless, the technology of molecular imprinted was developed quickly until the MIP with theophylline as its template was reported by Mosbach in 1993 [30]. The preparation principles of MIP involve the formation of cavities, which have a size, shape, and functionality complementary to the target analyte [31][32][33]. The schematic diagram of MIP preparation process is shown in Fig.…”