Green Chemistry and Molecularly Imprinted Membranes

Abstract

Technological progress has made chemistry assume a role of primary importance in our daily life. However, the worsening of the level of environmental pollution is increasingly leading to the realization of more eco-friendly chemical processes due to the advent of green chemistry. The challenge of green chemistry is to produce more and better while consuming and rejecting less. It represents a profitable approach to address environmental problems and the new demands of industrial competitiveness. The concept of green chemistry finds application in several material syntheses such as organic, inorganic, and coordination materials and nanomaterials. One of the different goals pursued in the field of materials science is the application of GC for producing sustainable green polymers and membranes. In this context, extremely relevant is the application of green chemistry in the production of imprinted materials by means of its combination with molecular imprinting technology. Referring to this issue, in the present review, the application of the concept of green chemistry in the production of polymeric materials is discussed. In addition, the principles of green molecular imprinting as well as their application in developing greenificated, imprinted polymers and membranes are presented. In particular, green actions (e.g., the use of harmless chemicals, natural polymers, ultrasound-assisted synthesis and extraction, supercritical CO2, etc.) characterizing the imprinting and the post-imprinting process for producing green molecularly imprinted membranes are highlighted.

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Real-Time Gas Sensor for Ambient Methanol Vapor Analysis Developed Using Principles of Sustainable Chemistry

“…The MIP was produced principally from poly­(vinyl alcohol), a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer ultimately derived from acetic acid and ethylene, both of which are readily obtained from biological sources. − The atom economy of the synthesis is effectively 100%, with no waste material. This is highly beneficial from both an economic and an environmental perspective …”

“…This is highly beneficial from both an economic and an environmental perspective. 1 Preliminary studies suggested that a template−polymer ratio of 25% (m/m) in synthesis was optimal for sensor performance. This is consistent with the literature for imprinted polymers of this kind.…”

“…Concerns about pollution range from ethical to economic, but the key to all these concerns is the concept of sustainability. 1 Sustainable development requires a reduction in waste from manufacturing and inefficiencies in production but also a means of monitoring the pollutants from industrial activity. Green sensors for sustainable pollutant analysis provide the solution.…”

Preparation and Application Progress of Imprinted Polymers

“…Based on their strong recognition ability, high selectivity, and good stability, MIPs are extensively used in various fields such as solid phase extraction and analytical detection. In addition, MIPs are expected to achieve industrial production and application in environmental monitoring, the food industry, clinical medicine, natural products, and other industries [ 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 ]. According to the difference in templates, the latest progress in the recognition applications of MIPs in metal ions, organic molecules, and biological macromolecules was summarized.…”

“…Due to the wide variety and designable of intermolecular interactions, the most widely used imprinting materials are still the recognition and detection of various organic molecules, including synthetic and natural drugs, dyes, chemical materials, additives, etc. [ 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 ]. Many OMIPs have been introduced in the section on MIPs classification and preparation; here, we mainly summarize the latest application ( Table 6 ).…”